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.A- 



Brief History 



OF THE 



United States 



BY 



SUSAN PENDLETON LEE, 

Author of "A School History of the United States," "Life of General 
William N. Pendleton." 



WITH 

Questions and Summaries for Reviews and Essays. 



Prepared for use in Public and PpjvaJ)efti<t^[p«^s. 



Wy S51096 



Richmond, 
B. F. JOHNSON PUBLISHING CO. 
1896. 



RLTSHTNa OO. / 



K 



Copyrighted 1896, by Susan Pendleton Lee. 



EH J 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



First Period— Discovery and Settlement, 1492-1688. 

Chapter. Page. 

I. Discovery of America 9 

II The American Indians IG 

III. Early settlements — Virginia colonized 20 

IV. Early settlements, continued— New York, New Jersey, 

Delaware, Maiyland 28 

V. Early settlements, continued— New England 32 

VI. The Colonies imder the Commonwealth 36 

VII. Virginia after the Restoration — Bacon's Rebellion 43 

VIII. Northern Colonies after the Restoration — The Carolinas, 

Pennsylvania and Delaware 50 

IX. Colonies under James II. — Their differences and resem- 
blances 56 

X. France in the North and "West 64 

Summary for Reviews and Essays 68 

Second Period— French, and Indian Wai^s, 1689-1763. 

XI. King William's War and Queen Anne's War 70 

XII. The Colonies under George I. and George II 72 

XIII. Settlement of Georgia 75 

XIV. Settlement of the Valley of Virginia — The French in the 

West and North 80 

XV. Opening of the Colonial War 83 

XVI. Colonial War — Indian Wars 86 

Summaiy for Reviews and Essays 91 

Third Period— The Revolution, 1J63-1783. 

XVII. Causes of the American Revolution 92 

XVIII. Colonies in 1760-75— Settlement of Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee 97 

XIX. First Continental Congress — Indian War in Virginia 101 

XX. Opening of the Revolution 104 

XXI. Progress of Events in New England— Invasion of Canada. 109 
XXII. Revolution in the Southern Colonies— Declaration of Inde- 
pendence 113 



6 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

CnArTER. Page. 

XXIII. Defence of Charleston— Battles around New York 118 

XXIV. Battle of Princeton— Battles near Philadelphia— Bur- 

goyne's Campaign and Surrender 121 

XXV. Valley Forge — Monmouth— Wyoming— French Fleet — 

Cherokee War in the South 126 

XXVI. Clarke's Taking of the Northwest 131 

XXVII. Stony Point— War in the South— Arnold's Treachery .... 134 
XXVIII. King's Mountain — Cowpens—Quilford-Eutaw Springs. . . 139 
XXIX. The War in Virginia — Surrender at Yorktown — Close of 

the Revolutionary War— John Paul Jones 147 

Summary for Reviews and Essays 154 

Fourth Period— Under the Constitution, 1783-1861, 

XXX. Condition of the Thirteen States in 1783— The Federal 

Convention of 1787 156 

XXXI. Washington's Administration, 1789-1797 161 

XXXII. John Adams's Administration — Progress of the country. . 167 

XXXIII. Jefferson's Administration, 1801-1809 170 

XXXIV. Madison's Administration— War of 1812 173 

XXXV. Monroe's Administration, 1817-1825— John Quincy Adams's 

Administration 179 

XXXVI. Andrew Jackson's Administration 185 

XXXVII. Van Buren's Administration — Tyler's Administration 189 

XXXVIII. Polk's Administration— Mexican War 195 

XXXIX. Progress of the Country— Taylor-Fillmore Administration. 200 

XL. Pierce's Administration 200 

XLI. Buchanan's Administration 209 

Summaiy for Reviews and Essays 215 

Fifth Period— Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1895. 

XLII. Formation of Southern Confederacy 219 

XLIII. Lincoln's Administration— 18G1 226 

XLIV. Lincoln's Administration, continued, 1861 — Beginning of 

the War for State Rights 231 

XLV. Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1861 238 

XLVI. Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1861 246 

XLVII. Lincoln's Administration, continued— 1863 251 

XLVIII. Lincoln's Administration, continued— 1802 256 

XLIX. Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1803 262 

L. Lincoln's Administration, continued— 1862 268 

LI. Liucoln's Administration, continued — 1862 276 



Table of Contents. 



Chapter. 

LII. 

LIII. 

LIV. 

LV. 

LVI. 

LVII. 

LVIII. 

LIX. 

LX. 

Lxr. 

LXII. 
LXIII. 
LXIV. 

LXV. 
LXVI. 

LXVII. 



Page. 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1862 284 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1863 288 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1863 293 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1863 299 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1863 303 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1864 310 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1864 319 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — ^1864 326 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1864 334 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1865 340 

Lincoln's Administration, continued — 1865 348 

Andrew Johnson's Administration, 1865-1869 358 

Johnson's Administration, continued — Grant's Adminis- 
tration 365 

Grant's Administration, continued 371 

End of Grant's Administration — Hayes's Administration — 

Administrations of Garfield, Arthur and Cleveland. . . . 377 
Benjamin Harrison's Administration — Cleveland's Second 

Election — Progress of the Country 381 

Summary for Reviews and Essays 388 



A Brief History of the United States. 



DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT. 



CHAPTEE I. 

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 




What the Ancients 
ThouJ^ht. — Long ago 
the wisest people were 
ignorant of some things that the youngesb 
among you know quite well They thought, 
for luotance, that the world was flat, and 
^ bounded on all sides by a wide dangerous 
ocean. ~ All that they were acquainted with was the western 
part of Asia, the northern part of Africa, and that portion of 
Europe which lies between the British Isles, the Baltic, the Cas- 
pian and Black Seas. They thought that beyond the regions 

1. Coat of Arms of Columbus. 2. Columbus leaving the Court of Spain, when the King and Queen decUne 
to fit out a fleet for him-Kebruary, 1492. 3. First signs of land-sea-birds and floating tree-trunk. 4. Return 
to Spain from first voyage. 



10 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with which they were acquainted, sea and land, if any existed, 
were strange and terrible, the abode of all sorts of monsters 
and fabulous creatures. 

How Knowledge of Geography Grew. — After awhile men 
began to learn more about geography. Sea-kings from Norway 
came to Iceland in their long ships, and from there Eric the 
Red and his son Leif made their way to Greenland, and even 
down along the Atlantic coast to a place they called "Vinland 
the Good," about the year 1001. This was by going west. 
Travellers moving eastward came back to Europe and told of 
marvellous and very rich kingdoms they had discovered in the 
remote regions of Asia. Learned men began to say and prove 
that the world was a globe and not flat. The mariner's com- 
pass, which points always to the north, was invented, and also 
an instrument by which a sailor could teU where he was ; and 
then the art of printing was discovered, the number of books 
was increased, and people could get them to read. 

Christopher Columhus. — About four hundred and fifty years 
ago there was born in Genoa, in Italy, a boy who was to become 
famous as the discoverer of a new world. 
Christopher Columbus was the son of a wool- 
comber, and was made to learn his father's 
trade. But he learned to read also, and 
studied all the books he could get hold of. 
Genoa was a very famous merchant city, to 
which travellers and traders came from all 
parts of the known world. Columbus was 
COLUMBUS. very fond of seeing and listening to these 

strangers, and he loved to go to the wharves and examine the 
ships and boats from the different ports on the Mediterranean 
shores. 

Becomes a Sailor. — When he was only fourteen years old 
Columbus became a sailor himself. His early voyages were 
made only in the Mediterranean Sea, but at last he was able to 
pass through the Straits of Gibraltar into the unknown ocean. 
Always studying and learning, Columbus had become convinced 




DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 11 

that the world was round, and that by sailing westward he would 
come to the eastern limits of Asia. 

Portuguese Discoveries. — The Portuguese were by this time 
finding out that Africa was a great country stretching far to 
the south. They kept their ships near the coast, and pushed on 
a little farther and a little farther until, at last, one of their 
sailors, Vasco de Gama, found his way round the Cape of Good 
Hope into the Indian Ocean, and showed how to sail to India 
in Southern Asia. 

Columbus in Spain. — Columbus, believing he would reach 
India by sailing westward, tried to persuade the King of Por- 
tugal to give him a vessel and crew to cross the Atlantic. He 
was unsuccessful in this. But after years of disappointment 
and hopeless entreaties, good Queen Isabella, of Spain, became 
his friend, and by her assistance he was furnished with three 
little ships and ninety men. 

Sails from Palos. — On August 3, 1492, the three little ves- 
sels — the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Maria — set out from 
Palos, on the coast of Spain, to sail where no ships had ever 
ventured before. They first visited the Canary Islands, and then 
pushed on into unknown waters. 

Courage of Columbus.. — The sailors on the little ships soon 
became discouraged. They were superstitious — that is, they 
thought the unexplored sea was filled with whirlpools, which 
would swallow up their ships or lead them to the abodes of 
goblins and dragons, and even to that of Satan himself, and 
afraid that if they found any land it would be peopled with 
monsters and horrible creatures, who would tear them limb from 
limb. Columbus alone never lost his good hope and his courage. 
He reasoned with his men, explained everything that seemed 
new and strange to them, and tried in every way to keep up 
their spirits. After two months' sailing they saw birds which 
could not have come a very long way, and some things floating 
in the sea seemed to have come from the land. So Columbus 
ordered a close watch to be kept, and expected soon to see the 
shores of Asia. 



12 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




LANDING OF COLUMBUS ON THE BAHAMAS, OCTOBER 12, 1492. 



The New World. — At length, on the morning of October 
12th, the man who was watching on the masthead of the Pinta 
shouted out joyfully, "Land! land!" and there lay a beautiful, 

low, green 
coast before 
them. You 
may be sure 
that the sail- 
ors all re- 
joiced at the. 
welcome 
sight and 
sound, but 
none were 

so glad and thankful as the noble man who saw himself success- 
ful after so many weary years. 

Not Asia. — This land was not Asia, as Columbus supposed. 
It was one of the Bahama Islands, and from it the voyagers 
passed on to other islands and sailed along the shores of Cuba 
and Hayti. 

People of the Islands. — The inhabitants of these islands 
were a simple, kindly folk, who thought the white men were 
brought to visit them from the skies by the great white-winged 
birds, as they imagined the ships to be. Certain that he had 
come to the India he was seeking, Columbus called these red- 
skinned natives Indians, and the islands where he found them 
received the name of the West Indies. 

Return to Spain. — Wherever Columbus landed on the dif- 
ferent islands he collected plants, animals and birds. He even 
persuaded some of the Indians to come with him, and then 
sailed away back to Spain. There was great excitement and 
rejoicing when the little fleet got back to Palo^, eight months 
after its departure. The king and queen made a great fuss 
over Columbus and heaped honors upon him, and the fame of 
his discovery spread over Europe. 

Hope of Wealth. — The Spaniards were delighted because 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 13 

they thought Columbus had found India, the land of gold, of 
jewels and of spices, which were worth as much as gold. They 
therefore eagerly joined him in other voyages to the far-ofif 
islands. The natives, when questioned where their fine golden 
ornaments came from, pointed always to the west and south. 

Ill Treatment of Columbus. — The proud Spaniards were 
not willing to gather riches slowly by settling on the islands 
and cultivating the soil. They became cruel to the natives to 
force them to get gold, and when they were disappointed in 
this they accused Columbus of deceiving them and treated him 
with great indignity. He was even sent home to Spain from 
his third voyage loaded with chains. Ingratitude instead of 
honor was shown him, and he died when he was seventy years 
old, poor, and neglected by the nation for which he had gained 
such great possessions. 

Discovery of South America. — Columbus never visited 
North America, though he saw the shores of South America. 
Other navigators pushed on farther and visited the continents, 
but no Spaniard cared much for anything but finding gold. A 
gentleman from Florence, Amerigo VesjDUCci, however, who 
sailed in an expedition along the coast of South America, 
became convinced that it was not Asia but a new continent. 

Naming the New World. — When Amerigo returned to Eu- 
rope he wrote an account of the new land and what he saw 
there. This book was printed and read, and the New World 
took its name from the man who had observed and described it. 

North America Discovered by the English.— Other Euro 
pean nations were eager to share the wealth which Columbus 
seemed to have found, and England, France and Portugal each 
sent out expeditions to find and take possession of some part of 
the unknown world. In 1497 Henry VII. of England sent John 
and Sebastian Cabot. With one little ship and eighteen men 
John Cabot reached what he called the New-found-land, and the 
next year Sebastian Cabot sailed as far along the Atlantic 
coast as the Carolinas and took possession of the whole for 
England. 



14 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

French Discoveries. — In 1535 Jacqaes Cartier, from France, 
reached Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, sailed into a great 
gulf and up a broad river, which he called St. Lawrence, and 
claimed all that region for France. 

Portuguese and Spanish Discoveries. — The pope averted 
a great quarrel between Spain and Portugal by deciding that 
all the land in the New World west of a certain line should 
belong to Spain, all east of it to Portugal. In the year 1500 a 
Portuguese sailor, Cabral, who had set out to follow Vasco de 
Gama's course around Africa, sailed too far west, and came to 
the coast of Brazil, which, lying east of the division line, be- 
longed to Portugal. Always seeking for gold, the Spaniards 
passed from the islands over to the continents. Balboa crossed 
the Isthmus of Panama, and was the first white man who ever 
saw the Pacific Ocean. When he saw the great calm sea Balboa 
drew his sword, and striding into the surf claimed the broad 
water and all that it might contain for his master the king of 
Spain. 

Florida. — On Easter Sunday of this same year, 1513, Ponce 
de Leon, who was seeking for a fabled fountain of perpetual 
youth, in which if one bathed he became young again, landed on 
an unknown shore, which he called Florida, from the Spanish 
name of the holy day El Pascua Florida. 

Spanish Conquests. — Within the next twenty years Mexico 
was seized by Hernando Cortez, and Peru by Alonzo Pizarro. 
In these lands the Spaniards found the gold they had been 
hunting so eagerly. The natives, who were far more civilized 
than those of the islands, gave freely to the white strangers of 
their abundant wealth. But the greedy Spaniards, not satisfied 
with this, treated both Mexicans and Peruvians with horrible 
cruelty to extort still more treasure from them. 

Hostility of the Natives. — The cruel practices of the Span- 
iards made the Indians in North America very hostile to them. 
They attacked and slew the white men wherever they could. In 
this way a band of them, under Narvaez, who tried to take pos- 
session of Florida, were all destroyed by the Indians except four, 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 15 

Ferdinand De Soto. — A few years later De Soto, the Spanish 
governor of Cuba, entered Florida with a larger force. He, too, 
found the Indians his enemies, and had to fight them frequently. 
Moving westward in hope of finding gold, he fought his way to 
the Mississippi River and crossed to its western side. In this 
unknown country, where no gold was found, De Soto died of 
fever. Fearing the Indians might ill-treat his dead body, his 
followers buried him at night beneath the waters of the great 
river, and made their way with great difficulty and suffering to 
their countrymen in Mexico. 

Questions.— 1. What did the ancients think about the world ? 2. What 
parts of the world did they really know about ? Find them on the map. 
3. What did Eric and Leif discover ? 4. What two great inventions helped 
travellers in making discoveries ? 5. Who was Christopher Columbus, and 
what did he believe ? 6. What had the Portuguese done at this time ? 
7. What help did Spain give to Columbus ? 8. From what port did he sail, 
and when ? 9. Describe his voyage. 10. At what place did he land, and 
when ? 11. What country did Columbus think he had reached ? Find the 
islands on the map. 13. What sort of coimtry and people did he find, and 
what name did he give to them ? 13. How was he received on his return 
to Spain ? 14. After his second voyage how was he treated ? 15. From 
whom did America receive its name, and why? 16. What two English- 
men made the first discoveries in North America, and when? 17. What 
parts of America were discovered by France? 18. What part of South 
America did the Portuguese discover, and when? 19. Who first saw the 
Pacific Ocean, and when? 20. Who first discovered Florida and gave it 
its name? 21. What conquests did the Spaniards make, and how did they 
treat the conquered nations ? 22. How did the natives behave towards the 
white men ? 23. Tell of De Soto and why he moved west from Florida. 
24. When was he buried ? 24. Find on the maps all the places mentioned 
in this chapter. 



16 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER n. 

THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 

Origin of the Indians. — Where the people found by the 
Europeans on the islands and continent of America came from 
cannot be known. It is not to be doubted that they, like the 
other races of mankind, were descended from Adam and Eve. 
But whether they drifted across the ocean from Asia or Europe, 
or crossed from Siberia to Alaska no one can tell. They had 
no settled tradition of their origin. Some said they came from 
the north, others from the south, and others again claimed to 
have come up out of the ground. 

Appearance of the Indians. — The red men diflfered much 
among themselves, and were quite unlike other races. But in 
many things they resembled each other. They were of a dusky 
brown or copper color. They had straight, coarse, black hair ; 
black eyes, and very little beard ; very high cheek-bones, small 
hands and feet, and slender, spare bodies. Though alike in so 
many ways, there were differences among them, especially in 
their customs and modes of life. From these differences we 
distinguish them as savage, barbarous and half-civilized. 

Savage Indians. — These were found in the region west of 
Hudson's Bay and southward to Mexico, between the Rocky 
Mountains and the Pacific coast. Like their descendants, the 
Apaches and Athabascans, they roamed from place to place, 
living in wigwams or tents of skins. They subsisted by hunt- 
ing and fishing, and did little in cultivating the soil. They 
wove baskets, but do not appear to have made even rude pot- 
tery. Such clothing as they had was the skins of animals killed 
in hiinting. 

Barbarous Indians. — Between the Rocky Mountains, the 
Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico the red men may be 



THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 



17 



called barbarous Indians. They lived in villages, and cultivated 
with their clumsy stone hoes fields of Indian corn, pumpkins, 
beans and tobacco, and some other vegetables. Their houses 




INDIAN VILLAGE. 



were either of sun-baked clay or rude, wooden structures cov- 
ered with bark. A whole clan — the children, grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren of one woman — lived in one house, some- 
times as many as fifty families. Several clans, who were per- 
haps related in blood and spoke the same language, made a tribe. 
Halbits and Customs of Barbarous Indians. — The barba 
rous Indians were more skUled in making useful articles than 
the savage tribes. They made pottery and wove a coarse kind 
of cloth. They made baskets, canoes, weapons of stone and 
polished flints, and some tribes had quite beautiful robes of fea- 
thers interwoven with grass or coarse thread. All the work, 
except making the weapons, was done by the women, who also 
cultivated and harvested their scanty crops, prepared the game 
killed by the men, and carried the skins for the wigwams and 
whatever they possessed, when the tribes moved from place to 
place. They also carried theii- small children, the " jiapooses," 
on their backs. All that the men did was to hunt, to fish and 
to fight. Neither the savage nor the barbarous Indians had a 
written language, a system of government, any history or set- 
tled religion. Each clan had a symbol, or "totem," generally 
the figure of some animal, and some peculiar religious cere- 
mony. The sachem and war chiefs formed the council of the 
tribe. 

2 



18 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Traits of Indian Character.-The savage and barbarons 
Indians were much alike in character. They were idle, boastful, 
treacherous, full of revenge and of merciless cruelty They had 
no regard for truth. The Indian was a tyrant in his wigwam, 
and often very cruel to his -squaw," whom he could kill or drive 
away when he pleased ; but he was fond of his children, espe- 
cially his sons. They had some idea of hospitality, and were 
sometimes faithful friends, while always revengeful enemies, 
lo take the scalps of their enemies was their greatest pride 
and no youth was received as a -brave" or warrior until he 
had taken a certain number of scalps. They also took pride in 
showing neither surprise nor curiosity, neither grief nor plea- 
sure, and never allowed any expression of fear or pain to escape 
them even under the greatest torture. They noticed every- 
thing so closely that they could track a friend or foe through 
an unknown wilderness by a crumpled leaf, an upturned peb- 
ble, or a broken twig. 

Indian Religion.-The Indians were not idolaters, they wor- 
shipped a Great Spirit with dances, songs and chants l\Taen 
a warrior died they burned or buried his weapons, and kiUed 
his dog to serve him in the -happy hunting grounds" where 
he was believed to have gone. There was nothing in their 
behef to make them happier or better. 

Pipe Of Peace.-The only luxury of these Indians seems 
to have been tobacco, which they greatly enjoyed and used 
with much solemnity in their councils. When the "pipe of 
peace" was smoked, friendship and peace were secured amon^ 
all who joined in it. 

Half-CiTilized Indians.— There were not many of these in 
the United States— only in Arizona and New Mexico. They 
had strong, fortified towns on steep heights, which were hard 
to chmb, and were called -Pueblo" or -City" Indians, by the 
Spaniards. 

Aztecs and Pernvians.— The Aztecs in Mexico, and the 
natives of Peru had fine cities with splendid temples and 
palaces and extensive gardens, good roads and many civilized 




THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 19 

customs and habits. They had fixed laws, a regular govern- 
ment, an established religion, and a mode of writing by signs 
and pictures, called hieroglyphics. 

Mound-Builders. — Besides the people whom Columbus, Cor- 
tez and their followers found in America, there are traces of 
older races than they. From the 
Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico 
are found great mounds or earth- 
works made by the " Mound- 
Builders," for tombs, temples or 
fortifications. In Virginia, Ohio ^^^^^^ mound in west Virginia. 
and the States south and west of them, skeletons, burial urns, 
weapons, pipes, vases of pottery marked with rude designs, 
articles of coarse cloth, and trinkets of copper and silver have 
been found. Fortification mounds are to be seen in many places. 
The most curious of the earthworks are in the form of animals 
and reptiles. These exist on both sides of the Mississippi, and 
are thought to have had some religious meaning. The Indians 
whom the white men found in America could not have made 
these mounds, and had no traditions concerning them. 

Three Different Races. — The barbarous Indians have been 
divided into three difi"erent races : The Algonquins, the Iroquois, 
and the Maskoki or Muskogees. These last, under the name of 
Choctaws, Chickasaws, Seminoles and Creeks, were scattered 
through the region south of the Tennessee and east of the 
Mississippi Rivers. The Cherokees of the same region, the 
Tuscaroras in North Carolina, the Susquehannocks in Pennsyl- 
vania, the Five Nations in New York, and the Hurons and Fries 
belonged to the Iroquois, All other Indian tribes from Labra- 
dor to the Carolinas, extending even west of the Mississippi, 
were Algonquins. The Iroquois were the most civilized of the 
barbarous Indians. 

Questions. — 1. Why is there so much doubt as to the origin of the 
American Indians ? 2. What did they say about themselves ? 3. In what 
respects were all the Indians alike, and in what did they differ? 4. Into 
how many classes are they divided ? 5. What part of the country was the 



20 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

home of the savage Indians, and how did they live ? 6. What tribes are 
descended from them ? 7. Where was the home of the barbarous Indians, 
and how did they live ? 8. What constituted a tribe? 9. What were the 
habits, customs and occupations of the barbarous Indians ? 10. Describe 
some traits of Indian character, both bad and good ? 11. What religious 
belief and custom had they? 12. What was meant by " the pipe of peace ?" 
13. Where and who were the half-civilized Indians? 14. Describe the 
Aztecs and Peruvians? 15. What traces have the " Mound Builders" left, 
and where are they found ? 16. Were they built by the Indians found by 
the white men? 17. What three races have the barbarous Indians been 
divided into ? 18. Which tribes belonged to the Iroquois, and what region 
of North America did they inhabit ? 19. Tell through what part of the 
country the tribes belonging to the Muskogees were scattered, and where 
the Algonquins lived. Find the places on the map. 



CHAPTER III. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS— VIRGINIA COLONIZED. 

Unsuccessful Efforts of the French.— In 1562 and again 
in 1564, some FrencJb Protestants called Huguenots attempted 
to found settlements on the coast of South Carolina and Flor- 
ida. The first party went home discouraged. The second was 
destroyed by the Spaniards from Cuba, who slew the whole nine 
hundred of them. 

Spanish Settlement. — The Spaniards, who claimed the whole 
Atlantic coast, established themselves near St. Augustine, in 
Florida, in 1565. 

Canada Settled. — The French, in 1605, made a settlement in 
Nova Scotia, and Champlain laid the foundation of Quebec three 
years later. 

First Voyage Around the World. — Magellan, a Portuguese 
sailor, passed further southwest than any European had ever 
done, sailed through the strait which bears his name, and into 
the Pacific Ocean, in 1521. Magellan was killed in a battle 
with the natives of one of the Philippine Islands, but his vessel 
went on round the world back to Spain. 




J STB ATE 

ONEERS 
DISOOVEEY 

RENCE. 

Columbus 

_ Sebastian Cabol - 

Tosco da Gama . 



longitude 60 JEast 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS VIRGINIA COLONIZED. 



21 




SIR FEANCIS DRAKE. 



Second Yoyage Around the World.— One of the most daring 
sailors of his time was Francis Drake, an English captain. In 
1577 Drake left England with five ships and one hundred and 
sixty-four men, to follow Magellan's course 
into the Pacific. He sailed up the west coast 
of South America, plundered the Spanish set- 
tlements, and took several million dollars 
worth of gold and silver from their great 
galleons. Drake then sailed on northward as 
far as the coast of Oregon. He passed the 
winter near where San Francisco now stands, 
and then returned to England around the 
Cape of Good Hope, making the second voyage around the 
world. Frobisher, Davis, Hudson and others wasted time, men 
and money trying to find a northwest passage round America. 
The bays and straits which bear their names remind us of these 
dangerous voyages. Frobisher even attempted to make a 
settlement on the coast of Labrador. 

First English Settlement.— Queen Eliz- 
abeth of England sent Sir Humphrey Gil- 
bert to colonize Newfoundland in 1585. 
The effort did not succeed, and Sir Hum- 
phrey was lost at sea. His last words 
were, "We are as near heaven by sea as 
by land." 

Raleigh's Settlements. — About the same 
time Sir Walter Kaleigh, a favorite of the 
queen, sent an expedition which explored the coast of North 
Carolina. Their reports of the country were so favorable that 
it was called Virginia in compliment to the "Virgin Queen." 
Raleigh then sent a colony to Roanoke Island, but the men 
became dissatisfied, and went back to England. A second 
colony came out in 1589, under Captain John White. For 
awhile the settlement prospered, and Captain White's grand- 
child, Virginia Dare, was born, the first white native of our 
country. But Captain White was obliged to return to Eng- 




QUEEN ELIZABETH. 



22 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

land, and when he got back to Koanoke Island, three years later, 
every trace of his colony had disappeared, except the word 

tCEOATAN carved on a tree. Nothing was ever 
learned of the lost colony. 
Bartholomew Gosnold. — Several years after 
, the unhappy end of Kaleigh's colony, Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold found that the shortest way to 
America from England was to sail due west 
across the Atlantic. He did so, and coasted 
WALTER RALEIGH, along Massachusctts, giving their names to Cape 
Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Elizabeth Island. A few years 
later Captain John Smith called that whole region New England. 
Yirginia and Plymouth Companies. — Gosnold's energy 
revived the spirit of adventure in England, and King James I. 
granted patents, or authority to take possession of, hold and 
settle these newly-discovered countries to two companies. The 
Virginia or London Company was given permission to settle 
between 34° and 38°, and the Plymouth Company between 41° 
and 45° north latitude. The country between 38° and 41° was 
opened to both, but neither company could settle within one 
hundred miles of the other. 

Virginia Colony. — The Virginia Company sent out from 
London in December, 1606, an expedition of three little vessels. 
The Susan Constant, a craft of 100 tons, was commanded by 
Christopher Newport ; the God-speed, of 50 tons, by Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold ; and the Discovery, of 10 tons, by John Rat- 
cliffe. Besides their crews they brought one hundred colonists, 
among them a council for the colony and the chaplain, the Rev. 
Robert Hunt. 

Settlement at Jamestown, 1607. — A storm drove the little 
fleet into Chesapeake Bay, so that instead of going to Roanoke 
Island, as Captain Newport had intended, the ships stopped 
first at Cape Henry, and then crossed the bay to a point which 
they called Point Comfort from its safe harbor. After examin- 
ing the country round the voyagers selected a place forty miles 
up the river, where, on May 13, 1607, they landed and laid the 




EARLY SETTLEMENTS — VIRGINIA COLONIZED. 23 

foundation of the first permanent English settlement in the 
United States. The town they called Jamestown, and the river 
James River, after their king. 

The First Church. — One of the first things done was to 
make a church with some old sails nailed to trees. In this rude 
temple Mr. Hunt read the English church service every day, and 
preached twice on Sundays. 

Captain John Smith. — The most valuable 
man among the colonists proved to be Cap- 
tain Smith. He had been a soldier, and had 
passed through many strange adventures in 
fighting against the Turks. His love for 
adventure brought him to America. On the 
way out he had displeased the officers of the 
expedition, being falsely accused of stirring 
up mutiny among the men. capt. john smith. 

Visit to Powhatan. — In three weeks Newport, Smith and 
twenty men went up to find the head of the river. They did 
not, of course, come to this, but they reached the falls of the 
river, where Richmond now stands, and set up a cross. The 
Indian town Powhatan, called after the Indian king, was close by. 

Captain Smith Saves the Colony. — The Indians had been 
very friendly to the explorers, but had attacked Jamestown 
during their absence, and killed some of their comrades. From 
this time there was great suffering. Newport and the ships had 
gone back to England. Their provisions gave out. They were 
wasted by sickness, and constantly harassed and killed by the 
Indians. But for the courage and energy of John Smith they 
must all have been destroyed. He was made president of the 
colony, and infused new life into it, bearing himself the heaviest 
share of labor and hardship. He has left an interesting and 
instructive account of the colony and country. 

Pocahontas. — On one occasion he saved his life by showing 
Powhatan's brother, Opechancanough, his pocket compass ; on 
another he protected himself from attack by tying his Indian 
guide to his arm and using him as a shield. In his greatest 



24 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



peril, wlieu King Powhatan had. ordered Smith's braifts to be 
beaten out, the king's daughter, Pocahontas, a girl twelve years 
old, threw herself over him and protected his life at the risk of 
her own. This Indian princess proved a true friend to the 
colony, often furnishing them with provisions, and warning 
them of intended ti'eachery and attack. 

Smith's Explorations. — Smith's greatest labor was to sup- 
ply the colony with provisions, and his most important work 
the exploring the Chesapeake Bay and all the rivers which 







SMITH EXPLORING THE CHESAPEAKE. 

empty into it. This voyage was made in an open boat with 
fourteen men. The accuracy of Smith's map and his account 
of the country and the Indian tribes he met with are wonderful 
when we consider the difficulties he had to contend with and 
the few opportunities he had for finding out about them. His 
efforts for the good of the colonists were greatly hindered by a 
gold fever which set them to digging a worthless yellow sand 
instead of any profitable work. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS VIRGINIA COLONIZED. 25 

Efforts to ImprOYO the Colony, 1609. — The Virginia Com- 
pany had more territory granted it- in a new charter, and sent 
out nine ships with five hundred new settlers. Only part of 




WRECK OF THE SBA VENTUKE ON KERMUDAS. 

these reached Virginia at this time ; the rest were wrecked on 
the Bermuda Islands. 

Smith Returns to England. — Not long after this, Captain 
Smith was so much hurt by an explosion of gunpowder that he 
had to go to England for proper treatment, and never got back 
to Virginia. 

Disasters of the Colony — Starving Time. — When Smith 
went away, the colony contained nearly 500 people, supplied with 
food and other needful things. But all energy and success seemed 
to leave with him. The people would not work, food became so 
scarce that this was known as the '< Starving Time," and in a 
year's time sickness, starvation and the Indians had destroyed 
them all save sixty. 

Lord Delaware Saves the Colony, 1610. — The English- 
men wrecked in Bermuda built two little ships and came to 
Jamestown. The settlers were so helpless, and the newcomers 
so wretched that they had all set sail for England when they 
met Lord Delaware's fleet bringing fresh colonists, and a good 
store of provisions. All returned to Jamestown, and there was 
never again any thought of abandoning the new country. 

Division of Land — Tobacco. — Up to this time everything had 
been held in common, and the idle had consumed what the 
industrious worked for. Sir Thomas Dale, the next governor, 



26 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

gave each settler some land, and made him pay part of his crop 
into the public granary. This division of land, and the new 
industry of planting tobacco gave new life and vigor to the 
colony. 

First Election in America, 1619. — Two years before any 
other English settlement had been made in America, the Virgi- 
nia House of Burgesses met at Jamestown. It was composed of 
two members elected from each settlement, then called boroughs, 
and from the first proved itself determined to protect the right 
of each citizen of the colony to his life, liberty and property. In 
August of the same year, a Dutch vessel brought twenty negroes 
and sold them as slaves to Virginia planters. 

Slavery Universal, 1619. — No one at that time objected to 
slavery. The Spaniards made slaves of the Indians in the West 
Indies, and when they proved unfit for work, brought negroes 
from Africa to take their places. The bringing of these Africans 
was found so profitable that many English ships engaged in the 
slave-trade. Sir John Hawkins, one of Ehzabeth's great cap- 
tains, made so much money by selling a cargo of negroes in 
Cuba, that the queen went into partnership with him and gained 
great profit. Erom this time until the early part of this cen- 
tury the European nations carried on the African slave-trade 
without any scruples. 

Shipload of Girls, 1620. — A very different cargo came over 
the next year — a shipload of girls from England. The colonists 
eagerly sought them as wives, each man paying one hundred 
and fifty pounds of tobacco for his wife's passage money. 

Marriage and Death of Pocahontas. — When Captain Smith 
left Virginia, Pocahontas had nothing more to do with the col- 
ony, and her father. King Powhatan, was very hostile to it. Po- 
cahontas was captured and taken a prisoner to Jamestown by a 
certain Captain Argall. She became a Christian, and was mar- 
ried in 1613 to Mr. John Eolfe. She went to England with her 
husband, and was much noticed as the "Lady Rebecca." Once 
she met Captain Smith, when she seemed much moved, addressed 
him as "father," and insisted that he should, call her "child." 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS VIRGINIA COLONIZED. 27 

She died suddenly at Gravesend, England. Her son was the 
ancestor of a number of Southern families. 

Indian Massacre, 1622. — King Powhatan made friends with 
the English when his daughter was married. His successor, 
Opechancanough, hated them, and determined to destroy them. 
There were about 4,000 colonists scattered on the plantations 
near the rivers. The 22d of March was the day fixed for the 
destruction of the whites. At mid-day the work of slaughter 
began, and before the settlers could defend themselves three 
hundred of them were slain in the most barbarous way. When 
they resisted the Indians fled. This massacre so terrified the 
English that for a time they abandoned their plantations and 
crowded together for protection. 

Lessons Taught by this First Colony. — James I. took away 
the patent or charter of the London Company and made Virgi- 
nia a rojal province. The story of this first of all English colo- 
nies shows the value of the English spirit of perseverance. It 
also furnished a model of self-government which the other 
American colonies all followed in some measure. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of the attempted French settlements and their fate. 
2. Where and when did the Spaniards make a settlement ? 3. When and 
by whom was Canada settled? 4. Tell of the first voyage around the 
world. 5. Tell of Sir Francis Drake and the second voyage around the 
world. 6. Describe the "Northwest" Passage and who attempted it. 
7. What colony did Queen Elizabeth send out ? 8. Tell of Sir Walter 
Raleigh and the lost colony of Roanoke. 9. Who was Virginia Dare? 
10. Who first sailed along the coast of New England, and who gave that 
region its name? 11. What two companies were organized to colonize 
America? 12. Tell of the Virginia Colony. 13. Describe Jamestown, and 
tell how and when a settlement was made there. 14. Tell of the first 
church. 15. Who was Captain John Smith ? 16. Tell of his visit to King 
Powhatan. 17. What trials had the colonists, and who helped them? 
18. Tell the story of Pocahontas. 19. What important explorations did 
Captain John Smith malce ? 20. What was the fate of the ships sent to 
Virginia in 1 609 ? 2 1 . Why did Captain Smith return to England ? 22. What 
disasters then befell the colony? 23. Who saved the colony in 1610? 
24. What wise provision did Sir Thomas Dale make ? 25. Tell of the first 
election in America. 26. When and how was slavery introduced ? 27. What 



28 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



was the opinion and practice of slavery at that time ? 28. What sort of 
cargo was Vjrought over in 1620? 29. Tell of thti marriage and death of 
Pocahontas. 30. Tell of the Indian massacre in 1622. 31. What lessons 
were taught by the first colony ? 



CHAPTER IV. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS, CONTINUED— NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, 
DELAWARE. 

Henry Hudson. — In 1609 some Dutch merchants sent out 
Henry Hudson, an English sailor, to find a short route to the 
Pacific Ocean. The idea in Europe seems to have been that 
America was not a continent, but a large island or number of 
islands, and that between them a nearer way would be found to 
A.sia. Hudson, in his shij), the Ilalf-Moon^ entered New York 
Bay, and sailed up the beautiful river, which bears his name, as 
far as Albany. 

The Dutch in New York, New Jersey and Delaware.— Of 
30urse Hudson could find no way to the Pacific Ocean, but his 




THE HALP-MOON ON THE HUDSON, 1609. 



report of the valuable furs offered for sale by the Indians 
induced merchants in Holland to send more vessels to America. 
A fur-trade was opened, and in 1614 settlements were made at 
Albany, on Manhattan Island, and down at points in New Jer- 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS CONTINUED. 29 

sey and Delaware. Forts were built to protect the settlers, 
and the territory was called New Netherland. 

Patroons. — This territory was not held in common. Any one 
who bought land from the Indians and settled fifty persons on 
it was given possession of the land and great authority over 
the settlers. These land-owners, called "patroons," took up 
land along the Hudson River and down the coast as far as Dela- 
ware Bay. They sent over farmers with cattle and everything 
necessary to make the new settlement successful. They also 
carried on a large fur-trade with the Indians, and for this pur- 
pose had gone into the Connecticut Valley. 

Growth of the Dutch Colony. — These Hollanders were 
accustomed to a government composed of rich merchants and 
of noblemen, whose titles and estates descended from father to 
son, and were satisfied to be ruled by the patroons and mer- 
chants in America. The governor of New Amsterdam, as the 
settlement on Manhattan Island was called, became the head of 
the colony. To ensure the growth of the colony a free passage 
was offered to all new settlers. "■ Mechanics, farmers and labor- 
ers " were especially invited, so that the colony rapidly grew in 
numbers and prosperity, 

Trouble with the Indians. — Under the influence of rum, 
the j)eace which at first existed between the Indians and Dutch 
was turned into strife. In 1642 the soldiers and citizens of 
Manhattan Island, under direction of Governor Kieft, massa- 
cred one hundred Indians at midnight. In revenge for this, 
the Algonquins took up arms, burned the villages of the white 
men, laid waste their fields, and slew the men at their work. 
But for the intervention of Roger Williams, who was at Man- 
hattan at the time, the whole colony might have been destroyed. 
He was able to pacify the Indians and patch up a peace, and 
after awhile a treaty of peace was signed at "Battery Park," 
now the southern end of New York city. 

Swedes in Delaware. — The principal Dutch settlement in 
Delaware, near Lewistown, was destroyed by the Indians. A 
colony of Swedes sailed into Delaware Bay in 1638, bringing 



30 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with them their pastor, a supply of food, and articles for trad 
ing with the Indians. These emigrants from the frozen north 
were so charmed with the country that they called Cape Hen- 
lopen "Paradise Point." They bought land from the Indians 
and built, in the State of Delaware, a fort called Christiana, 
after the little queen of Sweden. 

New Sweden taken by the Dutch. — Other colonists followed 
the first band, and forts were built at different points, one near 
the city of Philadelphia. The Swedish settlers cultivated the 
soil with success, and became prosperous. This aroused the 
jealousy of the Dutch, and in 1655 Governor Stuyvesant came 
from ^Manhattan and captiired their forts and re-established the 
Dutch authority over their territory. 

Dutcli Slave-ships. — We have seen that the Dutch brought 
negro slaves to Virginia in 1619. They introduced them also 
into Manhattan, soon after settling there, and Governor Stuyres- 
ant was directed to promote the Siile of slaves as far as possible. 

Settlement of Maryland — Clayborne's Settlement. — In 
1627 William Clayborne, of Yirgiuia, obtained from the gover- 
nor of the colony permission to settle any part of Virginia lying 
along the northern parts of the Chesapeake Bay. This was 
within the region which Captain John Smith had explored and 
made a map of. Clayborne was greatly pleased with the fer- 
tility of the country, and established a colony on Kent Island, 
not far from Annapolis. 

Lord Baltimore. — One year after this the English Lord 
Baltimore, who was a Roman Catholic, came to Virginia. 
Charles I. gave him a grant for the land which now forms the 
State of Maryland, so called in honor of the English queen, 
Henrietta ^laria. King Charles did not regard the fact that 
this land had already been given away twice, once to the Virginia 
Company and once to Clayborne. 

'• Pilcrims of St. Mary's," 1634.— The first Lord Balti- 
more died before taking possession of his American grant, but 
it was at once given to his son, Cecil Calvert, who was a noble, 
high-sovded man like his father. This second Lord Baltimore 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS CONTINUED. 31 

sent his brother Leonard in charge of two hundred colonists to 
establish the new colony. Many of these were rich, respecta- 
ble gentlemen, and they brought with them two Koman Catholic 
priests belonging to the society called Jesuits. The newcomers 
paid their respects to the Virginia government at Jamestown, 
and then sailed on up the Chesapeake Bay in their ships the 
Dam and the Ark. The Virginians were courteous to them, 
but told them that their grant belonged to Virginia. The 
settlement was made on land bought from the Indians and 
called St. Mary's, from which the settlers have been called the 
" Pilgrims of St. Mary's." 

Religious Toleration. — These pilgrims, like those of Ply- 
mouth Rock, had come to the New World to enjoy their religion 
in peace. But they were not intolerant like the Massachusetts 
colonists, of whom we shall presently tell you, and unwilling 
that others should have the same right. The Calverts were too 
wise and liberal for that. The charter they got from the king 
showed their sagacity. Lord Baltimore, who was called the pro- 
prietor, because he was the owner of the land, had no authority 
over the life or property of the settlers. The laws were to be 
made only by a majority of the freemen, and, along with equal 
civil liberty, equal religious liberty was secured to all persons 
professing to believe in Jesus Christ. This was before Roger 
Williams suffered for his belief in civil and religious liberty, 
and Maryland has the honor of being the first country on the 
globe where the doctrine of the equality of all Christian sects 
was proclaimed. 

Difficulty between the Settlements. — Clayborne refused to 
acknowledge Calvert's authority, and open war at last broke out 
between the settlements. But, notwithstanding the strife, the 
Maryland colony grew and prospered. The Indians taught the 
white men how to raise tobacco and Indian corn, and the women 
to make corn-bread and hoe-cakes, and the good priests, White 
and Altham, established missions and converted many of the 
savages to Christianity. 

Qtiestions. — 1. Who was Henry Hudson, and what did he do ? 2. "When, 
and why did he come to America ? 3. Where was New Netherland. 4. Who 



32 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



settled there ? 5. Who were the Patroons ? 6. Tell of the growth of the 
Dutch colony ? 7. What trouble arose with the Indians ? 8. Who saved 
the colony? 9. Tell of the Swedes iu Delaware? 10. Who captured the 
Swedish settlements? Find all the places mentioned. 11. Who estab- 
lished the first settlement in Maryland, when and where ? 12. Tell of 
Lord Baltimore and the name; given to Marjiand. 13. Who were the 
" Pilgrims of St. ^larys?" 14. What were some of the laws of the col- 
ony, especially in regard to religion ? 15. What strife soon arose ? 16. In 
what way did the colony prosper ? 



CHAPTER V. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS, CONTINUED— NEW ENGLAND. 

New England, 1607. — The Plymouth Company sent a col- 
ony to Maine, in 1607, but the settlers became discouraged and 
returned home. English vessels continued to come to the coast 
for the i^urpose of fishing, and in 1614 Captain John Smith 
examined and made a map of the region, which he named New 

England. 

First Colony in New England, 

1620.— A band of English who had 
separated themselves from the Eng- 
lish church, first left their country 
for Holland and then determined 
to seek a home in America. They 
sailed from Plymouth, England, in 
the Mayjiovier, landed on Cape Cod, 
and then crossed the bay to a place 
which Captain Smith had named 
Plymouth several years before. This 
landing was on December 11, 1620. 
These emigrants had called them- 
selves " Separatists," but now took 
the name of "Pilgrims," by Avhich they have been ever since 
known, while the settlers at Boston were called "Puritans." 




KKTUEN OFTHK MAYKLOWKB. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS CONTINUED. 33 

Suffering and Death. — In the cold New England winter more 
than half of the hundred settlers died, among them the gover- 
nor and his family. Bradford was then chosen governor, and 
Captain Miles Standish appointed to defend the feeble colony. 
This was not so difficult as in Virginia, for the Indians along the 
coast had mostly perished in a pestilence, and the stores of food 
found in their wigwams were a great help to the destitute Eng- 
lish. In 1621 Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoags, made a 
treaty of peace with the whites, which they faithfully kept for 
fifty years. 

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1628. — Salem was the first set- 
tlement in this colony. It was founded by Puritans. King 
Charles I. gave the company a charter in 1629, and in 1630 
the whole of them, 1,500 in number, came over headed by Gov- 
ernor Winthrop, and brought their charter with them. They 
settled Boston, Cambridge, Lynn and other places. In a few 
years colonies were planted in Connecticut, Providence and 
Rhode Island. 

The Puritans. — Opposition to the tyranny of the English 
king, and hatred to the English church, moved the Puritans to 
come to America. Numbers of those who first came were unfit 
for life in a new country. One hundred of them went back to 
England — two hundred of them died the first year. The sur- 
vivors set about making homes for themselves. Having their 
families with them was a great encouragement to them and to the 
Pilgrims. The Puritans were prosperous in England, and they 
brought their thrift and industry with them. They were brave, 
hardy and energetic, pure in life and speech, but they had little 
Christian charity. 

False Idea of Religious Liberty. — They have been said 
to come to America, seeking "freedom to worship God," but 
they were unwilling that others should share that freedom 
unless they worshipped and lived in the strictest Puritan way. 
They not only thought themselves absolutely right, but the 
records show that they considered all who did not agree witn 
them absolutely wrong and worthy to be punished. They had 
3 



34 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

quarreled with all who diflfered from their opinions, in England, 
and they brought the same intolerant spirit with them to New 
England. 

Oovernor Endicott's Laws. — The Salem colonists were ridi- 
culously intolerant. Their first governor, Endicott, even cut 
the cross out of the English flags, compelled all the men to have 
their hair short, and the women to wear veils over their faces in 
church. Some of the Salem settlers wished to use the Eng- 
lish service and the governor immediately sent them back to 
England. 

Voting Law, 1631. — At first all the freemen in the Massa- 
chusetts Bay colony were allowed to vote on all important 
questions, but in 1631 the court in Boston said that only church 
members should have that privilege. This gave great power to 
ministers. One of these, young Roger Williams, said that the 
magistrates had no right to make such a law ; that they had 
nothing to do with a man's religious opinions, and had power 
only over his person and his property. 

Exile of Williams — Rhode IsLand Settled. — For saying 
such thiugs the magistrates drove Roger Williams from Salem, 
deprived his congregation of their land when they begged him 
to return, and detei-mined to banish him from the colony. To 
avoid being shipped back to England, Williams stole off through 
the snow to some friendly Indians. Five of his friends joined 
him. They settled on Narragansett Bay, and called their new 
home Providence, in gratitude to God for their safe escape from 
their enemies. This was the beginning of the State of Rhode 
Island, in 1636. Other settlers came, and Williams obtained a 
deed from his Indian friend, Canonicus, for the territory of that 
State. Not long after leaving Salem, Williams became a Baptist. 
In 1644 Roger Williams got from Parliament quite a liberal 
charter for the Rhode Island settlements. 

Anne Hutchinson. — Another person who was banished from 
the Massachusetts colony for strange religious views was Mrs. 
Anne Hutchinson. She claimed to have had special revelations 
from God, and the colony was full of strife between those who 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS CONTINUED. 35 

favored and those who opposed her. At last she and some of 
her disciples were turned out of the colony. They went to New 
York, where they were afterwards killed by the Indians. 

Settlement of Connecticut. — The Dutch, of whose coming 
to America I have already told you, had established a trading 
post at the mouth of the Connecticut River. The valley of that 
river was included in the grant of the Plymouth Company, and 
the English soon took possession of it. A party under Thomas 
Hooker settled at Windsor. Another came through the forests 
from the coasts, with their families and their goods, and estab- 
lished themselves at Wethersfield, Windsor and Hartford. Many 
of them came to avoid religious tyranny in Massachusetts. 

Saybrook and New Haren. — Lord Say and Lord Brooke got 
possession of the territory of Connecticut and sent out a colony 
under John Winthrop, son of Governor Winthrop, of Massachu- 
setts. He drove the Dutch away, and built a fort, called Say- 
brook, at the mouth of the river. New Haven was settled later, 
and in a few years all the settlements had a charter given them 
and became the colony of Connecticut. They held the same 
religious opinions as Massachusetts, and in New Haven none 
but church members had a vote. 

Pequot War.— The Connecticut Indians were very hostile to 
the whites. They would kill the men at their work, burning 
some to death and torturing others cruelly. At last the set- 
tlers determined on revenge. They attacked the Pequot fort, 
near Stonington, and slew all but five of the seven hundred 
Indians who defended it. The Pequot tribe was destroyed, and 
the other Indians so much frightened that for thirty-eight years 
they did not molest the whites anywhere in New England. 

New Hampshire Settled, 1623, and Maine, 1630.— The ter 
ritory of Maine and New Hampshire was given to two English- 
men, Gorges and Mason. Portsmouth and Dover, on the Pis- 
cataqua, were settled in 1623, and seven years later Saco and 
Biddeford, in Maine. Gorges and Mason then divided the 
region — Gorges took Maine, and Mason the country south of it, 
which he called New Hampshire. When Mason died his terri- 



36 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tory became part of Massachusetts, but iu 1667 was set oJ0f to 
itself as the colony of New Hampshire. The population of New 
England grew in twenty years to 26,000 — 15,000 in Massachu- 
setts, the rest in the other colonies. When the strife began 
between Charles I. and the Parliament in 1640 the Puritans 
stopped coming to New England. 

Questions. — 1. What occurred in the years 1607 and 1614? 2. Tell of 
the Mayfloicer and the coming of the Pilgrims to New England. 3. Tell of 
the sufferings and bravery of the settlers, and the treaty with the Indians. 
4. What other colonies besides the Massachusetts Bay colony were planted ? 
when, and by whom? 5. What places were settled by them ? 6. Describe 
the Puritans. 7. What ideas had they of religious liberty ? 8. Tell of the 
laws made by Governor Endicott. 9. What voting law was made in 1631, 
and who opposed it? 10. How was Roger Williams punished, and where 
did he go? 11. Where did he settle, and what colony did he found? 
12. Tell of Anne Hutchinson. 13. By whom, and where were the Connec- 
ticut settlements made? 14. Tell of SaybrooK. and New Haven, and the 
formation of the colony. 15. What can you tell of the Pequot War? 
16. Tell of the settlement of New Hampshire and Maine. 17. What was 
the population of New England in 1640? 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE COLONIES UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH. 

Execution of Charles I. — The quarrel between the king and 
Parliament in England became more and more violent. At last, 
after much fighting. Parliament gained the victory, captured the 
king, put him in prison, and then cut off his head on January 
30, 1649. 

Effect on the Colonies. — The strife in England was fortu- 
nate for the colonies in some respects. The "Mother Country" 
was so taken up with its own troubles, that the colonies were 
left to manage their own affairs in most respects. About the 
time the civil war began, Sir "William Berkeley was made gov- 
ernor of Virginia. Like most of the Virginians, he was devoted 



THE COLONIES UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH. 



37 



to the king and to the English church, and was at first very- 
popular among all classes. 

Acts of the Yirginia Assembly. — The Assembly of Virginia 
believing that the trouble in England had arisen from the oppo- 
sition of the Puritans and others to the established church, now 
required all citizens to conform to the English church or leave 
the colony. In those days intolerance and persecution were 
practiced by all nations and churches. We must blame the Vir- 
ginians for being narrow-minded ; but they' never put any Chris- 
tian to death for differing with them in religion. Although so 
far from valuing religious liberty the assembly was very watch- 
ful over the civil or legal rights of the people. A law was passed 
during the session of 1642-43, which forbade the governor and 
council to lay any taxes without the authority of the assembly. 
Second Indian Massacre. — There had never been real friend- 
ship between the Indians and whites since the first massacre in 
1622. News of the trouble in England, 
somehow, reached the red men, and 
stirred them up to another attack on 
le whites. Their chief, Opechan- 
canough, who was one hundred 
years old and blind, was still 
fierce enough to persuade his 




people to undertake another 
massacre of the hated colo- 
/" nists. The onslaught was 
sudden, and before any gen- 
eral resistance could be made 
five hundred whites had been 
killed. The murderers be- 
came frightened and took to 
the woods. Governor Berkeley pursued them with an armed 
force and killed many of them. Old Opechancanough was cap- 
tured and carried mortally wounded to Jamestown. The old 
warrior fiercely resented being exposed to the gaze of the people 
who crowded to look at him. A peace was made with Opechan- 



INDIAN ATTACK. 



38 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

canough's successor, and the Indians gradually died out before 
advancing civilization. 

Prosperity of Virginia. — In spite of the Indian massacres 
the colony prospered greatly. Trade and commerce increased. 
In 1648 ten trading ships from London, two from Plymouth, 
twelve from Holland and seven from New England came and 
went regularly to Virginia ports. 

Loyalty of the Colony to the King. — When the triumph of 
Parliament and the execution of King Charles were learned in 
Virginia the assembly declared that the colony was faithful to 
the king and loyal to his memory, and that it would adhere to 
his son, Charles II. Some of the colonists held a different 
opinion, but the majority were very loyal. Numbers of cava- 
liers, as those who were devoted to the royal cause were called, 
soon came to Virginia, where they were most cordially welcomed, 
especially by Governor Berkeley. 

Virginia Yields to Parliament, 1652. — Parhament would 
not permit its authority to be thus defied, and sent out a naval 
force to bring Virginia under its control. Captain Davies 
sailed into James River and required the colony to surrender. 
After some days it did so on terms very advantageous to its 
rights and liberties. The citizens of Virginia were allowed all 
the privileges of freeborn Englishmen, were to continue to 
govern themselves, and should have the right to trade freely to 
all places. 

Self-GoTernnient in the Colony. — Sir William Berkeley with- 
drew to his country home, and three republican governors were 
elected within the next eight years. They ruled mildly, and 
did not restrict the liberty of the people, who regulated their 
own taxes, built and garrisoned their forts and traded where 
they pleased. " Universal suffrage " was the rule at that time, 
for all freemen were allowed to vote. 

Religious Freedom. — The treaty with Parliament allowed the 
use of the English prayer-book and service for only one year. 
But Cromwell and the Parliament were too busy at home to 
interfere much in such small matters. No form of public wor- 



THE COLONIES UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH. 



50 



ship was forbidden, and liberty of conscience was extended to 
all. Even the Quakers, although excluded by law from 1G60 to 
1717, remained in the colony and practiced their religion with 
little interference from other people. 

Maryland during the Commonwealth. — Clayborne was one 
of the men appointed to bring the Chesapeake colonies in sub- 
jection to Parliament. He went to Maryland and upset the 
existing government. Lord Baltimore tried to maintain his 
control of the colony. There were a good many Puritans in 
Maryland who took up arms against him. They defeated his 
followers, drove the priests to Virginia, and deprived the Roman 
Catholics of the religious freedom granted by them to all other 
Christians. 




40 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



New England under the Commonwealth. — As I Lave told 
you, the Puritans stopped coming- to America in 1640. The 
strife between the king and Pai'liament gave them enough 
employment in England. The Puritans in America sympSr- 
thized with their friends in England, and rejoiced when the 
English church seemed conqiiered and the king was beheaded. 
Like Virginia, they profited by the inability of England to 
interfere with them, and regulated their own concerns. 

United Colonies of New England, 164:i. — The French were 
unfriendly to New England on the north, the Dutch in New 
York threatened Connecticut, and there was danger from the 
many tribes of Indians near the scattered settlements. To 
defend themselves against these dangers, the colonies of Massa- 
chusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven formed a con- 
federacy called the United Colonies of New England, which greatly 
promoted the prosperity of all of them. The Rhode Island 
colony was refused admittance to the confederacy because of 
its liberal views of religious freedom. 

Trouble with the Indians. — The two tribes nearest the set- 
tlements were the Narragansetts and the Mohegans, who were 

deadly enemies to each other. 
One of Mrs. Anne Hutchin- 
son's friends, named Gorton, 
had settled in Rhode Island, 
where he bought land from 
Miantonomo, the chief of the 
Narragansetts. Two other 
Indians claimed this land and 
appealed to Massachusetts to 
protect their rights. The 
court in Boston decided 
against Gorton and Mianto- 
nomo. War now broke out between the Narragansetts and the 
Mohegans, in which the former were defeated and Miantonomo 
was captured. Uncas, the Mohegan chief, did not dare to tor- 
ture his jjrisoner to death, so he sent him to Boston to be tried. 
The preachers were asked to give sentence against him. 




THE HIDDEN KOK 



THE COLONIES UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH. 41 

Slaying of Miantonomo. — There was no English law under 
which Miantonomo could be put to death, but, from fear of the 
Mohegans or hatred to Gorton, the preachers condemned the 
captive chief to death, and sent him back to Uncas. Uncas 
marched his enemy to the battle-field, had him slain with a toma- 
hawk, and then tore the quivering flesh from his body and 
devoured it. Gorton and his followers were also captured, con- 
victed of heresy and condemned to death, but the sentence was 
not executed. 

Efforts against Intolerance. — Many persons in Massachu- 
setts had grown tired of religious intolerance, and the law allow- 
ing nobody to vote except Puritan church members. A number 
of Presbyterians petitioned to be admitted to equal privileges 
with the New England churches and to equal civil rights. The 
Massachusetts authorities were enraged at this petition. The 
signers of it were heavily fined and put in jail for six months. 
The ministers came together and organized the Congregational 
church, which was made the established church of New Eng- 
land ; and this was done by the very men who had so bitterly 
opjDosed an established church in the "Mother Country." 

New England Friendly with Cromwell. — New England did 
not tamely submit to Parliament, although it hated the king. 
The new Confederacy refused to surrender their charters, and 
to take up arms against the Dutch on Manhattan Island. Their 
sympathies were with Cromwell and his ai-my. The great Lord 
Protector was very friendly to them, and favored them in many 
ways. Massachusetts found great faiilt with Virginia for not 
yielding to Parliament, though she refused to do so herself. 

Rise of the Quakers. — About this time George Fox, a brave, 
pious man, established a new sect in England. His followers 
called themselves " Friends," but others gave them in derision 
the title of "Quakers." These new religionists went farther 
than the Puritans in abolishing forms and ceremonies. They 
allowed no distinction of titles, but addressed all persons by their 
Christian names. They would not fight or contend, and wore 
their hats constantly as a proof that they paid homage only to 



42 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

God. They were kind and good to everybody, but they thought 
they had "inward light" from heaven in their hearts, and that 
they must "testify" against anything contrary to it. They 
claimed that this light freed them from obeying any other law. 

Quakers Persecuted. — Although the Quakers were good and 
upright, they made themselves disagreeable by speaking their 
minds. They were soon hated and persecuted all over Chris- 
tendom. In England they were sentenced by Parliament to 
fines, whippings and imprisonment, and were even sold into 
slavery. The great, successful Cromwell proved no protector 
to them. But their worst treatment was in Massachusetts. The 
first who came to the colony were imprisoned and then shipped 
to the West Indies. 

Banishment of Quakers. — Roger Williams did not love Qua- 
kers, but he refused to proceed agaiAst them. Massachusetts 
became very angry at this, and the four united colonies passed 
laws that the Quakers should be banished, and any ship cap- 
tains who brought them to New England should be severely 
punished. These laws were very harsh in Massachusetts ; milder 
in Connecticut. 

Execution of Quakers. — In spite of hardship and prohibi- 
tion the Quakers persisted in coming. Then harsher measures 
were decreed against them. The first return to the colonies 
was to be punished by flogging and imprisonment with hard 
labor, the second with cutting ofi" the ears ; for the third the 
tongue was bored through with a hot iron, and in 1658 capital 
punishment was decided on in Boston. Massachusetts alone 
agreed to this savage law, which was favored by Governor Endi- 
cott and the preachers. They continued to come, and several 
of them were hung, and their bodies refused Christian burial. 
This savage barbarity was stopped at last by the interference of 
the newly-restored King, Charles II. 

Questions. — 1. What occurred in England in 1649? 2. How did this 
affect the colonies ? 3. Tell of Sir William Berkeley. 4. What laws were 
passed by the Virginia Assembly in his time ? 5. What can you tell of the 
second Indian massacre ? 6. Why was there little trouble with the Indians 



VIRGINIA AFTER THE RESTORATION. 43 

after this time ? 7. Tell of the prosperity of Virginia. 8. Her loyalty to 
the English king. 9. Her finally yielding to the Parliament. 10. What 
can you tell of the self-government of the colony and of her religious free- 
dom? 11. What can you tell of Maryland during this time? 12. Tell 
of New England under the Commonwealth. 13. What union was formed 
therein 1643? 14. Which colony was excluded, and why? 15. Tell of 
troubles with the Indians, Gorton, Miantonomo and Uncas. 16. How were 
Miantonomo and Gorton treated ? 17. What efforts were made against 
intolerance in Massachusetts, and what church was established in New 
England ? 18. How did New England feel towards Cromwell ? 19. Tell of 
George Fox and the Quakers. 20. How and where were the Quakers per- 
secuted ? 21. What laws did the four united colonies pass against them ? 
22. What modes of punishment were inflicted upon the Quakers, and what 
stopped the persecution ? 



CHAPTER VII. 

VIRGINIA AFTER THE RESTORATION— BACON'S REBELLION. 

Restoration of Charles II., 1660. — Charles II. was a selfish, 
unprincipled man, who cared for nothing but his wicked plea- 
sures. Notwithstanding this, the Virginians rejoiced greatly 
when the king came to his own again. Governor Berkeley was 
also restored to power and a new assembly was elected, which 
passed laws contrary to the spirit of liberty which had flourished 
in the colony. 

Restriction of Liberty. — Although Virginia had been so 
loyal to the king, she was now oppressed by both him and the 
Parliament. Parhament passed laws, called the Navigation 
Laws, ordering that all trade with the colonies should be car- 
ried on only in English ships to English ports, and imposed 
heavy taxes without consent of the colonial assemblies. The 
Virginians were much dissatisfied, and sent Governor Berkeley 
to obtain better legislation in England. Instead of doing this, 
he came back full of the spirit of oppression. The assembly, 
elected for only two years, was continued in power for fourteen, 
and upheld the governor in his tyranny. Unlawful taxes were 



44 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

levied ; large salaries were ordered for the governor and mem- 
bers of the government ; voting was restricted to land-owners 
and housekeepers, and every one was required to conform to 
the Church of England. 

Resistance. — To resist this oppression, the liberty-loving 
Virginians tried various plans. At one time only small crops of 
tobacco were planted, to lessen taxation ; at another an insur- 
rection was organized. This was betrayed, and some of the 
insurgents were captured and hanged. 

Injustice of the King. — Charles himself was guilty of the 
greatest wrong to the colony. He gave to one of his favorites, 
Lord CuljDeper, the well-settled country lying between the Rap- 
pahannock and Potomac Rivers ; and to another, Lord Arling- 
ton, "all the dominion of land and water called Virginia," for 
thirty-one years. This injustice roused the people to great 
indignation, and even the tyrannical assembly was moved to 
defend the rights of the colony. 

Eiforts to Secure a New Charter. — The Burgesses sent 
three agents to petition the king to govern them himself, and 
not to subject them to any of their fellow-subjects, and to 
secure the liberties of the colony by a new charter. These 
agents made great efforts to ensure the rights of the colonists, 
but all in vain. They were detained in England a whole year 
without receiving any satisfaction, while matters were growing 
worse in Virginia. 

Fresh Trouble with the Indians. — Twenty years before 
this time a fierce mountain tribe of Indians, the Ricahecrians, 
had come down into the region around Richmond, and seemed 
disposed to settle there. The Virginia planters lived scattered 
about, and the distance between their settlements made them 
specially liable to Indian attacks. They had put down the 
native Indians at the time of the second massacre, and by the 
help of the Pamunkey tribe, who had become their allies, they 
attempted to drive away the new-comers. This was not entirely 
successful, and Totopotamoi, the Pamunkey chief, was killed. 
From that time the Ricahecrians had infested the Piedmont 



VIRGINIA AFTER THE RESTORATION. 45 

region, and committed outrages upon the peaceful settlers. 
Hostility was now shown by the Indians north of the Potomac 
against the people of both Maryland and Virginia. 

Outrages in Yirginia. — When an expedition of settlers on 
both sides of the Potomac moved against the Indians in Mary- 
land, many of them came into Virginia, and committed murders 
and cruelties everywhere. There was terror throughout the 
country. Families were crowded together in houses which 
offered the best protection. The men did not dare to work or 
travel alone. They carried their arms always, and kept con- 
stant watch against hidden foes. Governor Berkeley did noth- 
ing to protect them, and the colonists found they must under- 
take their own defence. 

Nathaniel Bacon. — A leader arose for the suffering colo- 
nists in the person of Nathaniel Bacon, a brave, well-educated 
young Englishman who had settled on James River about three 
years before this. The Indians had murdered the overseer and 
a servant on his plantation, near Richmond, and Bacon vowed 
vengeance upon them. Knowing this, several hundred colo- 
nists assembled, chose Bacon for their commander, and applied 
to Governor Berkeley to give him a commission. 

Berkeley's Harsh Treatment of Bacon. — Berkeley hated 
Bacon for his liberal views and refused to grant the commis- 
sion. The danger from the Indians was so pressing that Bacon 
moved against them without it. Berkeley was so enraged at 
this that he declared that all Virginians who did not return at 
once to their homes should be treated as traitors and rebels. 
Most of the men with Bacon yielded to this threat, but Bacon, 
with fifty of them, attacked the Indians, and gained one victory 
over them. Berkeley was about to pursue Bacon when other 
troubles recalled him to Jamestown. 

A New Assembly. — The citizens of the lower counties be- 
lieved that most of their troubles arose from the long continu- 
ance of the assembly. They, therefore, rose in arms and de- 
manded that it should be dissolved. Berkeley was compelled 
to yield to them, and issued writs for the election of a new one. 
The county of Henrico elected Bacon as their delegate, but 



46 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Berkeley had him arrested on his way to take his seat at James- 
town. The new assembly was friendly to Bacon, and patched 
up a peace between him and the governor. Bacon was to ask 
pardon for his offences and promise not to repeat them. He 
wan then promised the commission and made commander-in- 
chief against the Indians. Bacon performed his part and took 
his seat. The assembly began at once to repeal oppressive laws 
and redress the grievances of the people, and they hoped that 
freedom and justice had come again to Virginia. 

Berkeley's Tyranny, 1676. — But the governor would agree 
to scarcely any decrees of the assembly. He became daily more 
arbitrary, and refused to sign the commission for Bacon. This 
injustice made the people angry, and numbers of them flocked 
aroiind Bacon. The Indian outrages became unbearable and 







" A FAIR MARK— shoot!" 

war against them a necessity. At the head of four hundred 
men Bacon marched to Jamestown and demanded the promised 
commission. Berkeley could only collect on© hundred militia, 
the rest were with Bacon, 



VIRGINIA AFTER THE RESTORATION. 47 

The Commission Granted. — Berkeley was no coward, and 
when Bacon and his troops appeared the old cavalier advanced 
to meet them, bared his breast, and called out loudly, "A fair 
mark — shoot ! " Bacon answered civilly that they had no inten- 
tion of harming him or any one else ; that they had come for 
the commission promised him, in order to have authority against 
the Indians, and that they intended to have it. The Burgesses 
wished the commission to be given, and at last the governor was 
induced to sign it. He also approved the milder laws passed 
by the assembly. 

Further Ill-Treatment of Bacon. — The joy at the granting 
the commission was short-lived. Bacon had scarcely marched 
against the Indians when the governor proclaimed him a rebel 
and traitor, and declared that his commission was taken away. 
News of the governor's treachery was carried to Bacon by Drum- 
mond and Lawrence, two earnest patriots. Berkeley had gone 
to the loyal county of Gloucester to raise a force to oppose 
Bacon, but the people would not join him, and said they looked 
upon Bacon as their brother and defender. Bacon was justly 
angered at Berkeley's insults, and marched to Gloucester to 
compel their withdrawal. But Berkeley did not wait for him. 
He took all the powder and ammunition from Fort York, the 
principal defence of that part of Virginia, and crossed the 
Chesapeake Bay to Accomac. 

Bacon's Rebellion. — Bacon now urged the freemen of the 
colony to come together and free the colony from Berkeley's 
tyranny. A large number of citizens assembled at " Middle 
Plantations," afterwards Williamsburg, and called a convention 
of the colonists. They declared that the governor had given 
up his office by withdrawing to Accomac, and were very earnest 
in behalf of their liberties. The convention took an oath to 
protect Bacon against the governor, and join him against the 
Indians. 

First Declaration of Rights, 1676. — The convention drew 
up a paper stating the wrongs done them by the navigation 
laws, the heavy taxes, and the leaving them exposed to Indian 



48 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

atrocities. They also declared that as Berkeley had asked for 
royal troops, to attack them as rebels and traitors , they would 
resist those troops until the true state of affairs in the colony 
was made known to the king. You must remember that this 
was done one hundred years before another young Virginian 
wrote the Declaration of Independence to be signed by another 
assembly of American freemen. 

Indians Defeated at Bloody Run.— After these measures at 
Middle Plantations Bacon led his army against the Indians. He 
attacked their stronghold near Richmond, routing them com- 
pletely and destroyed their power in Virginia forever. The 
* little stream along which this fight occurred has been called 
" Bloody Run " ever since. 

Jamestown Burned. — Berkeley collected an army in Acco- 
mac of unprincipled and wicked men, whom he tempted by hope 
of plvinder. With this force and some English vessels in the 
bay he came back to Jamestown, and once more proclaimed 
Bacon a rebel and traitor. When Bacon marched upon James- 
town the governor and army stole off to the ships. Bacon 
then burned the town that it might not again shelter his 
enemies. 

Bacon's Death. — While he was thus contending for the 
principles of free government, fatigue and exposure threw the 
patriot leader into a fever from which he died. To prevent 
outrage to his remains they were buried secretly, and his grave 
is forever unknown. He was a man of a noble soul, a true 
patriot and lover of freedom. His followers became discour- 
aged and scattered. Berkeley hunted them down, and hanged 
twenty-two of them. For years after this the colony was more 
oppressed than ever. 

Resistance of the Planters. — Berkeley's successor, Cul- 
peper, was a man very eager to get money, and did everything 
to wring it from the Virginians. A law was made that towns 
should be built at certain places, and that no tobacco should be 
shipped except from these towns. This was hard on the 
planters scattered along the rivers and streams. They openly 



VIRGINIA AFTER THE RESTORATION. 49 

disobeyed the law, and when the government became angry 
destroyed their young tobacco to deprive the government of a 
profit on it. This was declared treasonable and was punished 
with hanging. 

Treaty with the Five Nations, 1684. — The frontiers of 
Virginia were threatened by warriors from the Five Nations. 
To avert the danger Lord Effingham, Culpeper's successor, 
together with Governor Dongan, of New York, and commission- 
ers from Massachusetts, held a conference at Albany with the 
sachems of the Mohawks, Oneida, Onondaga and Cayuga tribes. 
There was much talk, and then a treaty of j)eace was made, the 
tomahawk was buried, the Indian songs of peace were sung, 
and the peace-pipes smoked. 

Effects of the Restoration in Maryland. — With the return 
of the king Lord Baltimore regained his jiower in Maryland, 
where he exercised his authority so wisely that the colony 
steadily increased in prosperity and numbers. 

Questions. — 1. What can you tell of Charles II. and his restoration? 
2. How did it affect Virginia ? 3. What unjust laws were passed by Par- 
liament, and what restrictions laid upon the Virginians ? 4. What resist- 
ance did they make? 5. What. acts of injustice did King Charles perpe- 
trate against Virginia ? 6. What steps did the Burgesses now take and 
with what success ? 7. In what region of Virginia did fresh troubles with 
the Indians break out, and why ? 8. What outrages were committed in 
Virginia, and how did they affect the colonists? 9. Who was Nathaniel 
Bacon ? 10. How was he treated by Governor Berkeley, and why ? 11. Tell 
of the new assembly and its efforts to redress grievances. 12. Tell of 
Berkeley's tyranny and of Bacon's patriotism. 13. Under what circum- 
stances did the governor sign the commission ? 14. What proclamation 
was now made against Bacon, and what steps were taken by the patriot 
and the tyrant? 15. What is meant by Bacon's rebellion ? 16. Tell of 
the first Declaration of Rights, and when it was drawn up. 17. Who wrote 
the Declaration of Independence one hundred years later ? 18. Tell of the 
defeat of the Indians at "Bloody Run." 19. How was Jamestown burned ? 
20. Tell of the death and burial of Bacon. 21. What revenge did Berke- 
ley take ? 22. What law was made which was resisted by the planters ? 
23. Tell of the treaty with the Five Nations. 24. What effect had the 
restoration in Maryland ? Find all places mentioned on the map. 



50 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE NORTHERN COLONIES AFTER THE RESTORATION— THE CAROLINAS, 
PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE. 

Effects of the Restoration in New England. — The colonies 
of Connecticut, Hartford, Plymouth, Ehode Island, and even 
New Haven, proclaimed Charles II. king as soon as they heard 
of his return to the throne. Massachusetts did not acknowledge 
it. Two of his father's judges had come to that colony and New 
Haven, and the new king was not disposed to friendship with 
them. 

Charters of Connecticut and Rhode Island. — Connecticut 
sent Governor Winthrop to ask for a charter. He procured a 
liberal one, in which Hartford and New Haven were included. 
Rhode Island also was given a charter with all the privileges 
which Roger Williams had desired. 

Suhjection of Massachusetts. — The king also promised to 
respect the charter of Massachusetts if she would acknowledge 
his authority, would allow all the freemen to vote, and permit 
the services of the English church to be held in her territory. 
The first condition only was complied with. 

John Eliot. — Many efforts had been made to Christianize 
the Indians since the settlement of New 
England. John Eliot, a godly and learned 
man, devoted his life to this work. He made 
a grammar of the Indian language and trans- 
lated the Bible into it. By his efforts and 
those of other missionaries, there were four 
thousand "praying Indians," professed Chris- 
tians, in Masssachusetts in 1674. 
joHNBLioT. King Philip's War, 1675.— The con- 

verted Indians seemed friendly to the whites, but all the rest 




COLONIES AFTER THE RESTORATION. 51 

had grown more and more hostile, and in 1675 the worst out- 
break occurred that had ever taken place. Philip, chief of the 
Wampanoags, was the leader in this bloody strife. His tribe 
and the Narragansetts lived close to the Massachusetts and 
Ehode Island settlements. They numbered seventeen hundred 
warriors. 

Attack on Swanzey. — The Indians swooped down on Swan- 
zey one Sunday in June, burned the town and butchered the 
people. If driven from one place, they attacked another with 
fire, torture and murder, sparing neither men, women nor chil- 
dren. ' When Philip was defeated, he went to the Nipmucks, in 
the Connecticut Valley, and the work of destruction grew worse 
than ever. 

Result of the War. — The Narragansett chief, Canonchet, 
hated the English for the murder of his father, Miantonomo. He 
held a stronghold within the borders of Rhode Island. The whites 
attacked and captured this fortress, killing one thousand Indians. 
The war continued until both Philip and Canonchet were killed 
and their followers nearly destroyed. The captured Indians, 
Philip's little son, nine years old, among them, were sold as 
slaves to the West Indies, and the Indian power in southern 
Kew England was broken forever, but not before twelve towns 
had been burned, forty others attacked and one thousand whites 
slain. 

Massachusetts Charter Annulled. — In 1684 agents were 
sent to Boston to enquire if the king's demands had been obeyed. 
They had not been, and the king ordered that the charter of the 
colony should be surrendered to him. When the assembly de- 
clined to do so, their charter was declared void, and the whole 
region was made a royal province. 

Dutch Territory Given to the Duke of York, 1684.— Dis- 
regarding the charter he had granted to Connecticut, and the 
fact that the Dutch held New Netherland, King Charles in 1684 
gave to his brother, the Duke of York, the land lying between 
the Connecticut and Delaware Rivers. England was at peace 
with Holland, but the king did not scruple to send over vessels 



52 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

to attack the Dutch colony at New AniBterdam. There were by 
this time many English living among the Dutch, who wished to 
assert their right to self-government and, when the English ships 
appeared, the governor of New Amsterdam found so many of the 
colonists opposed to his arbitrary rule that he surrendered with- 
out resistance. Their liberties, rights and property were secured 
to the colonists, and New Netherland was renamed New York. 
The EngHsh governor renewed the treaty with the Five Nations, 
and the whole change was peaceably made. 

Colony of New Jersey. — The Dutch and Swedish settlements 
along the Delaware also submitted to English authority. The 
Duke of York gave the territoxy to two English lords, and it 
became a separate colony under the title of New Jersey. Eng- 
land now held the whole Atlantic coast as far down as Florida. 

Beginning of the Carolinas. — Charles II. was a royal giver. 
He regarded neither former grants, charters nor promises. In 
1663 he bestowed upon eight of his courtiers the country 
between 31° and 36° of latitude, stretching back to the Pacific 
Ocean. The southern portion of this grant was claimed by 
Spain, the northern part had first been given to the Virginia 
Company, and afterwards to different individuals. Out of it 
were formed The Carolinas, so called in honor of the king. 

Settlements in North Carolina. — There were already a good 
many whites in the eastern part of North Carolina. There were 
Puritans from New England along the Cape Fear Kiver, Non- 
conformists from Virginia, on Albemarle Sound, and emigrants 
from Barbadoes in other places. Governor Berkeley, of Vir- 
ginia, was one of the eight to whom Carolina had been given, 
and he made William Drummond, who has been mentioned in 
connection with Bacon, governor there. 

The Grand Model. — The eight courtiers wished to set up a 
strong, tyrannical government, and they employed the philoso- 
pher, John Locke, to draw up a plan for it. They wished to 
divide the country into provinces with great lords over them, to 
have a nobilit}', knights, and distinct orders in society. Locke's 
plan was called the "Grand Model," and had one hundred sep- 




COLONIES AFTER THE RESTORATION. 53 

arate regulations. It was entirely unsuited to a free people who 
had to work hard for their living, and never succeeded, although 
the English governors tried to enforce it for 
years. The freemen in the settlements made 
laws to suit themselves. They encouraged 
immigration, and protected all in their civil 
rififhts. After Bacon's death a number of his 
followers sought safety in Carolina, and fos- 
tered the spirit of liberty among the Carolin- 
ians. This increased until the people rose 
against Sothel, who had tyrannized over them ^°^^ locke. 
for five years, deprived him of office and drove him from the 
colony. 

South Carolina Settled, 1670.— It was hoped that the 
"Grand Model" would succeed better in a new settlement, 
and the proprietors set about establishing a new colony farther 
south. An English colony came to Port Royal where John Rib- 
auit, a Frenchman and a Huguenot, had attempted a settlement 
a hundred years before. In a short time they moved to the 
mouth of the Ashley River, and founded a city called Charles- 
ton after the king. The soil of the new region was fertile and 
the climate pleasant, and immigrants flocked to it. Dutch set- 
tlers came from New York and from Holland, and English, 
Irish and Scotch from Great Britain. A colony from Barba- 
does having with it two hundred negro slaves came first to Cape 
Fear, and then into South Carolina. The "Grand Model" was 
no more popular than it had been in the northern colony. The 
people paid little attention to it, but established laws for their 
own regulation, and carried on a constant struggle against the 
governors appointed by the proprietors. 

The Huguenots in the Colonies. — At this time the French 
Protestants, called Huguenots, were forced by persecution to 
flee from France. They were among the best of the French 
people, nobles, gentlemen, worthy citizens, honest tradesmen 
and skillful artisans, who were welcomed everywhere. Numbers 
of them came to America and settled — many more in South 



54 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Carolina than elsewhere. As many as sixteen thousand made 
their homes along the Cooper and Santee Eivers. The Eng- 
lish settlers, at first, looked coldly upon the French new-comers, 
but the Huguenots were refined, cultivated, well-bred, indus- 
trious, and courageous, and became the most prosperous and 
prominent people in South Carolina. Their descendants in all 
parts of the United States have been the advocates of liberty 
and education, of purity of character and life. 

Indian Troubles. — The Carolinas, as Virginia had done, suf- 
fered greatly from Indian outrages. They had bloody fights 
with the savages, and were several times obliged to seek aid 
from Virginia against them. 

Grant to Penn, 1681. — What is now the State of Delaware 
had been bought by the Quakers for a thousand pounds as an 
asylum for their persecuted brethren. The 
territory west of it was now given by King 
Charles to William Penn, one of the most dis- 
tinguished among them. Penn's father, a 
famous English sailor, had lent the king in his 
days of poverty and exile sixteen thousand 
pounds. In payment of this debt Charles 
granted the land west of the Delaware River 
WILLIAM PKNN. ^^Q Yv^illiam Penn, and called it Pennsylvania 
in compliment to the Quaker courtier. For this grant Penn 
was to pay the king two beaver skins a year. 

Founding of Philadelphia, 1682. — The first settlement in 
the new colony was made near Philadelphia in 1681 in holes dug 
in the hillsides. The next year Penn himself came over. The 
Duke of York appointed him governor of the "lower counties," 
now the State of Delaware. All the whites welcomed Penn 
eagerly, and he at once proceeded to establish a government 
under which every man should enjoy both civil and religious 
liberty. He directed that a town should be laid out in squares 
along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, which he called 
" Philadelphia," or Brotherly Love. 

Treaty with the Indians. — True to his peaceful principles, 




COLONIES AFTER THE RESTORATION, 



55 




PKNN'S TEBATY. 



Penn sought to avert quarrels with the Indians by fair and 
honest dealing. He invited the Indian chiefs to consult with 
him and agree upon' a treaty of peace and love. The Indians 
were not unwilling to grant 
this request, because the 
English power was now be- 
come formidable in the col- 
onies, and because the tribes 
to which it was addressed 
belonged to the Lenni- 
Lenape, who had been 
subdued by the Iroquois, 
who were allies of the Eng- 
lish. The council was held 
under an elm tree at "Shack 
amaxon," in the city of 
Philadelphia, and the spot is marked by a marble monument. 
The Indians smoked their peace pipes; Penn made them a 
friendly speech, and offered them presents, with which they 
were much pleased. They also gave him the token of peace, a 
wampum-belt, and promised to live at peace with him and his 
children while the sun and moon endured. 

^^^^___ Growth of the Colony. 

Lands for the settlers were 
bought from the Indians, 
which were rapidly filled 
up. Freedom from fear of 
Indian outrage brought 
crowds of wealthy settlers 
to accept Penn's invitation 
to all who were oppressed, 
to find homes in his fertile 
territory. English, Irish, 
Scotch, Welsh and Germans 
came in such numbers that 
in three years Philadelphia 
became a town of six hundred houses, and there were ten thou- 




^^VUADELPA,,^ 



56 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

sand people in the colony. The government was a free one. 
The law -makers were chosen by all the freemen. Land was sold 
very low to any who could pay for it, and equal rights were 
secured to each citizen who obeyed the laws. 

Delaware a Separate Colony, 1703. — In this year Delaware 
was separated from Pennsylvania, and made an independent 
colony with its own assembly and laws. You have thus learned 
how each of the thirteen original States was settled, except 
Georgia, which took place fifty years later. 

Questions. — 1. How did the Restoration affect the New England colo- 
nies? 2. Which one refused to acknowledge the king? 3. What charters 
did Connecticut and Rhode Island procure? 4. Tell of the subjection of 
Massachusetts. 5. What great and good work was done by John Eliot ? 
6. What can you tell of King Philip's War? 7. Tell of the attack on 
Swanzey. 8. What was the result of the war ? 9. Why was the charter of 
Massachusetts annulled ? 10. What great tract did the king bestow upon 
his brother, and to whom did it originally belong? 11. Tell of the forma- 
tion of the colony of New Jersey. 12. How were the Carolinas formed? 

13. Tell of the settlements in North Carolina, and its first governor. 

14. What was the "Grand Model," and who wrote it ? 15. Tell of the set- 
tlements in South Carolina and the growth of the colony. 16. Tell of the 
Huguenots and their coming to the colonics. 17. Did the Carolinas suffer 
from Indian outrages ? 18. Who had bought the present State of Delaware, 
and what great tract was granted to William Penn ? 19. Tell of the found- 
ing of Philadelphia and the meaning of its name. 20. What tr(>aty did Penn 
make with the Indians, and when? 21. Tell of the growth of the colony 
and its government. 22. When did Delaware become a separate colony? 
Find on the map the colonies which had been settled by 1703. 



CHAPTER IX. 

COLONIES UNDER JAMES II.— THEIR DIFFERENCES AND RESEMBLANCES. 

New England Charters Revoked, 1687. — Charles II. was 
succeeded in 1685 by James II., who was a narrow-minded 
man, and a worse ruler than his brother. To deprive the New 
England colonies of all their liberties, he sent over as their gov- 



COLONIES UNDER JAMES II. 



57 



ernor Sir Edmund Andros, who was hated by the people. Rhode 
Island and Connecticut were ordered to give up their charters. 
They did not obey at once, and Andros went to Rhode Island 
first, set aside the government, and broke the seal of the charter, 
and compelled the brave little colony to submit. 

Story of the Charter Oak, 1687. — Andros then went to 
Hartford to seize the charter of Connecticut. The governor, old 
Robert Treat, a gallant captain in King Philip's War, pleaded 
earnestly with Andros the right of the colony to retain its char- 
ter. They argued until nightfall. The charter was in view of 
all, on the table. Suddenly the candles were blown out, and 
when they were relighted the charter had disappeared. Wil- 
liam Wadsworth, of Hartford, snatched it away in the darkness 
and hid it in a hollow oak-tree close by. Andros assumed con- 
trol, and the secretary of the colony wrote " finis " on the colo- 
nial records, because he thought liberty at an end. New York 
and New Jersey were also under the authority of Andros, who 
governed all the colonies from Maiue to Maryland, 

Andros's Tyranny.— New 
England was oppressed in 
every way. Andros dissolved 
the courts and laid the taxes. 
Nothing could be printed with- 
out his sanction, and personal 
liberty was greatly restricted. 
Perhaps the most grievous 
thing to the people of Boston 
was the king's order that the 
Church of England service 
should be held in one of the 
Boston churches. The use of 
the old South Meeting-house for 
this purpose was refused, and 
Andros took possession of it and 

V J /i ■ j; I.T n\ ^ OLn SOUTH MEETING-HOUSB. 

had the services of the Church 

of England performed alternately with the Congregational. 




58 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

James, the Friend of Penn. — James was a friend of Wil- 
liam Penn. The Quaker s colony was not interfered with, and 
twelve hundred Friends were released from prison. 

Unfriendly to Maryland. — Although a Catholic, like Lord 
Baltimore, James showed no favor to Maryland, and had made 
arrangements to take that colony into his own hands when he 
was dethroned. 

Virginia Oppressed. — In Virginia a continued struggle 
went on between the governor, who represented the crown, 
and the assembly elected by the people. The first assembly 
after James's accession protested that the governor had no 
authority to set its decrees aside. The king was so much 
enraged at this that he had the assembly dissolved, and Rob- 
ert Beverley, their clerk, prosecuted and deprived of the right 
to vote. Beverley at one time was a staunch Royalist, but his 
patriotic spirit opposed the king's oppression, and in punish- 
ment he was imprisoned and died a victim to the sovereign's 
disfavor. 

Monmouth's Followers Sold as Slaves. — James also 
wreaked his vengeance on the supporters of the ill-fated Duke 
of Monmouth by sending them as slaves to Virginia, and ordered 
that they should not be redeemed for ten years. Children were 
also kidnapped and sent to the colonies to be sold. Even the 
queen and her great ladies made money by this shameful traffic. 

Downfall of James. — For three years the English endured 
the king's tyranny, then they rose up and drove him from the 
kingdom. 

William and Mary. — The Prince of Orange and his wife, 
the Princess Mary of England, were called to take possession 
of the throne, which they did, promising to be guided by the 
wishes of Parliament. Thus the second English revolution 
was effected without bloodshed in 168H. 

Effects in America. — When James was deposed Andros also 
lost his power. Massachusetts and Rhode Island restored their 
governments according to their charters, and the charter of 
Connecticut was brought from its hiding-place. 



COLONIES UNDER JAMES II. 59 

Leisler in New York. — The rising against Andros's author- 
ity in New York was headed by Leisler. For awhile he got pos- 
session of the government, but was afterwards falsely accused 
of treason, was taken prisoner and beheaded. 

Colonies in 1688. — The twelve English colonies had been 
settled in the following order : 

Virginia, by the English, at Jamestown 1607 

New York, by the Dutch, at New York 1614 

Massachusetts, by the English, at Plymouth 1620 

New Hampshire, by the English, at Portsmouth 1623 

Connecticut, by the English, at Windsor 1633 

Maryland, by the English, at St. Mary's 1634 

Rhode Island, by settlers from Massachusetts, at Providence. . 1636 

' Delaware, by the Swedes, at Christiana 1638 

Pennsylvania, by the Swedes, at Philadelphia 1643 

North Carolina, by the English, near Albemarle Sound 1663 

New Jersey, by the English, at Elizabeth Town 1664 

South Carolina, by the English, at Charleston 1670 

When WUliam and Mary came to the throne the whole Atlantic 
coast from New Brunswick to Florida belonged to England. 

Resemblances Among the Colonists. — In these colonies 
the people were very different in some things ; in others much 
alike. They almost all spoke the same language, used the Eng- 
lish Bible, and held the Protestant faith. They all loved free- 
dom, and claimed the right to make their own laws and lay 
their own taxes. They had all passed through early trials of 
starvation, sickness and Indian warfare, but had made steady 
progress for many years. 

Differences Among the Colonists. — The differences be- 
tween the colonies were as marked as their resemblances. 
Their habits and modes of life, their forms of worship, and 
their ideas of their relations towards each other were widely 
different in different places. 

Character and Opinions of the Virginians. — Virginia was 
settled chiefly by men from the middle and aristocratic classes, 
who loved the king and Church of England. They steadfastly 
claimed and contended for the personal rights of each freeman, 



60 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



but were slow to try new ways or to upset established forms. 
Conservative is the word which best describes them. Their 
belief in the rights of every one made them respect freedom of 
thought and action in their neighbors. They jealously defended 
the rights of the colony to all the lands granted by its charters, 
but, apart from that question, they were always kind and help- 
ful to the neighboring colonies, Maryland received from them 
cattle, poultry, fruit-trees and seeds, as well as important help 
against the Indians ; and the Carolinas, later on, were assisted 
in many outbursts of war. 

Modes of Life in Virginia. — From the first the Virginians 
showed no fancy for settling in towns and villages. They pre- 
ferred life on farms or plantations, especially after tobacco 
became their important crop. The wealthy planters had fine 

houses of wood or brick, with 
English gardens and orch- 
ards, while the "quarters" 
for the servants, black and 
white, near by, formed quite 
a settlement. The large sta- 
bles were filled with some of 
the finest horses in the world. 
In these home^ bountiful 
hospitality was extended to 
all, and the poorer people 
followed the same plan. This 
feeling of kindness and cour- 
tesy gave gentleness to the 
manners of the rudest among 
them. 

Education in Virginia. — 
The distances between the 
homes of the people pre- 
vented the early establish- 
ment of common schools in 
Virginia and the regular attendance upon public worship. 
But neither religion nor education were wholly neglected. 




OLD CHUBCH TOWBE AT JAMKSTOWS. 



COLONIES UNDER JAMES II, 61 

One of the first houses built at Jamestown was the church, and 
following this example, churches of brick or wood were built 
wherever there were a number of settlers or plantations in 
reach. A hundred acres of land was set apart as a "glebe" to 
support the minister, whose salary was paid in tobacco. Parish 
schools were frequently attached to the churches. As early as 
1619 large sums of money were given to found a college at Gov- 
ernor Dale's city of Henrico, and another endowed school was 
established in Charles City county. The Indian massacre in 
1622 put an end to these. The governors under Charles II. and 
James II. discouraged education in every way, and Sir William 
Berkeley boasted that there was not a free school nor a printing 
press in the colony. This did not check education among the 
higher classes. They sent their eldest sons to England for 
school and college training, and employed tutors for their other 
children from among the " indented " colonists or needy refu- 
gees. The constant use of the English Bible and Prayer-Book 
in the families, and of Shakespeare, trained them in high mor- 
ality and pure, vigorous English. 

Massachusetts Settlers. — The first colonists of Massachu- 
setts, unlike the Virginians, hated alike the English monarchy 
and the church. They came to America to set up a government 
to suit themselves, modeled, as far as possible, on that of Moses 
over the Israelites. They allowed no rights, civil or religious, 
to any who difi'ered with them, and permitted only church mem- 
bers to have any share in the government. They built towns 
from the first, each of which was an independent power, jealous 
of its rights and suspicious of its neighbors. They banished 
from among them all who difi'ered from their Puritan ways and 
beliefs. 

Puritans a Peculiar People. — The Puritans took special 
pride in showing their difference from other people. They 
changed the names of the months, the seasons, of their churches 
and their children. Timothy, Jonathan, Habbakuk, Make-peace 
and Accepted were usual names among the boys ; Abigail, Jeru- 
sha, Prudence, Temperance, Faith and other Christian virtues 



62 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




HARVARD COLLEGE, 1895. 



among the girls. And these harshly-named young folk had to 
keep solemn faces and wear sad-colored clothes, with long, nar- 
row sleeves, and short, uncurled hair. 
Education in New England— Haryard College, 1636.— 

It was easy to estab- 
lish schools in the 
New England towns, 
and mothers were 
glad to be freed 
from the care of 
their children by 
sending them to 
these schools. Edu- 
cation flourished, 
and the school-house 
and meeting-house 
stood close together 
in every village. The first college in America, established in 1636 
at Cambridge, in Boston, still bears the name of its founder, 
John Harvard. 

Intolerance. — I have told you that the New England gov- 
ernments were copies from that of the Jews. Moses and 
Joshua destroyed the heathen in Canaan, and in like manner 
God's elect in America must extermimate the natives of the soil. 
The Puritans thought that they alone were right or had rights, 
and therefore they constantly interfered with their neighbors 
and gave them much advice. Thus Rhode Island was excluded 
from the New England Confederacy. Trade was forbidden with 
Virginia for opposing Parliament, and the English were aided 
in overcoming the Dutch in New York. 

New England Modes of Life. — The cold climate and barren 
soil made farming unprofitable in New England, and the people 
from the first, engaged in ship-building, fishing and manufactur- 
ing, which they still excel in. The classes of society were as dis- 
tinct among the Puritans as the Virginia cavaliers. Ministers 
and governors were looked upon with special reverence. But 



COLONIES UNDER JAMES II. 63 

the people lived plainly and even roughly, because they consid- 
ered that elegance and luxury were part of the vices of the Eng- 
lish court. 

Life in the Other Colonies. — The habits of the people in 
New York were simple and formal, as the Dutch had been. In 
New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania they lived, talked and 
dressed as the Quakers did. The people built towns, and also 
planted in the low, level country. Education was always fos- 
tered by the Quakers. The Maryland people were like the Vir- 
ginians in their general character and habits. Agriculture was 
the principal occupation and plantation life the custom in the 
Carolinas, and they have continued to prevail to the present time 
in the Southern States. 

Slavery Universal. — The colonies were all alike in being 
slave-holders at this time and for nearly a hundred years later. 
There were no conscientious scruples anywhere about selling 
and buying Africans or Indians. But the negro was much more 
profitable in planting tobacco, rice, cotton and sugar, than he 
could be in the colder Northern colonies, and gradually he was 
sold South for the money he brought. 

How Life Has Changed. — In these colonial times there were 
no stoves, grates or furnaces ; huge wood fires in wide chimneys 
warmed the houses. There were few roads and no public con- 
veyances. Land journeys were made on foot or on horseback. 
Along the rivers people travelled in boats. There were no 
newspapers or post-ofiices. Letters and news were carried by 
messengers. The women in the families, or the slaves on the 
plantation, spun, wove, cut and made all the clothing, except a 
few costly garments brought from England for the wealthier 
folk. These things would seem very hard to us, but our vir- 
tuous, healthy, independent ancestors did not find them so two 
hundred years ago. 

William and Mary College, 1693— Yale College, 1700.— 
The second college in America was established at Williamsburg, 
Virginia, and named after the king and queen, who gave it an 
endowment. Yale College, in Connecticut, was founded the 



64 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

year that William and Mary College, in Virginia, held its first 
commGncement. 

Questions. — 1. What sort of man was King James II., and how did he 
tyrannize over New England ? 2. What is the stoiy of the Ciiarter Oak ? 
3. Tell of Andros's tyranny and the Old South Meeting-house. 4. How 
did the king treat the Quakers ? 5. IIow behave towards Maryland? 0. Tell 
of oppression in Virginia, and the fate of Robert Beverley. 7. Who were 
brought to Virginia and sold as slaves? 8. What was the fate of King 
James ? 9. Who succeeded him on the throne, and in what year ? 10. What 
effect had the Revolution of 1088 in America? 11. Who was Leisler, and 
what did he do? 12. How many and what colonies had been settled by 
1688? Give the dates of these settlements. 18. What were their names, 
and by what nation was each settled? 14. Who now possessed all the 
Atlantic coast from New Brunswick to Florida? 15. Mention some re- 
semblances amongst the colonists. 16. In what respects did they differ? 
17. Tell of the character and opinions of the Virginians, and in what way 
they helped other colonies. 18. What were the modes of life in Virgi- 
nia ? 19. What provision was made for churches and schools in Virginia ? 

20. How were her young men educated, and younger children trained? 

21. Describe the settlers in Massachusetts. 22. How did the Puritans 
show their peculiarities? 28. Tell of education in New England and of 
Harvard Collegt;. 24. How did she exercise h(ir intolerance towards other 
colonies? 25. Tell of modes of life in New England, and of her social 
classes. 26. Describe the modes of life in other colonies. 27. Did slavery 
exist in all the colonies ? 28. Tell how life has changed since colonial days. 
29. Of William and Mary College and of Yale College. 



' CHAPTER X. 

FRANCE IN THE NORTH AND WEST. 

Champlaiii's Explorations. — The Indians north of the St. 
Lawrence River were deadly enemies of the Iroquois south of 
it. When Chamjilain settled Quebec, in 1608, a fierce war was 
going on. Champlain joined in an expedition against the Iro- 
quois, during which he explored the lake which bears his name. 
Champlain desired to extend the dominion of France in the 
New World. He could not go southward without danger from 



I 



FRANCE IN THE NORTH AND WEST. 65 

the Iroquois, so lie pressed westward. In 1615, five years 
before the Pilgrims came to Plymouth, he had gone as far as 
Lake Huron. 

French Missionaries. — To make friends with the Indians, 
and build up the power of France, Champlain enlisted the zeal 
of the Roman Catholic Church. Pious priests were eager to 
save the souls of the red men, and carried the cross from east- 
ern Maine to Lake Huron, preaching the gospel and chanting 
their litanies in the midst of the savage tribes. 

France on the Great Lakes. — Hearing of great waters 
still farther west, the missionaries pressed on thither. Father 
Claude Allouez called the falls between Lakes Superior and 
Huron, Sault St. Marie, and Dablon and Marquette established 
a mission station, the first white settlement in Michigan. For 
two years Allouez dwelt alone among the Indians, preaching 
and teaching not only the natives of the region, but others who 
came from afar attracted to hear the strange white teachers. 
Among these were warriors from the great Sioux nation, who 
dwelt on the great river, the "Meche Sepe." 

Exploration of the Upper Mississippi, 1673. — The French 
were anxious to get possession of the great river, which had 
been almost forgotten since De Soto's time. In 1673 the good 
priest Marquette, with the fur-trader Joliet, five other French- 
men and two Indian guides, made their way to the "Wisconsin 
River. The Indians refused to go farther, but the Frenchmen 
launched their canoes and floated down the Wisconsin for seven 
days until, with great joy, they passed into the Great River. 

First Trip Down the Mississippi. — Past the Des Moines, 
the Missoui'i, the Ohio and the Arkansas, they followed the 
downward current, claiming the country on both sides for 
France. Learning from the Indians that they were still far 
from the mouth of the river, the explorers turned their course 
northward. They followed the Illinois River to its head, and 
separated. Joliet carried the story of their journey to Quebec. 
Marquette resumed his missionary work on the shores of Lake 
Michigan, where he died two years later. 
5 



66 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

La Salle. — Joliet's account of his journey kindled the en- 
thusiasm of the Chevalier La Salle, who commanded Fort Fon- 
tenac, on Lake Ontario. The young officer went to France and 
obtained a commission from the king to explore the whole 
length of the Mississippi. The expense of the expedition was 
to be paid by collecting and selling furs. For this purpose La 
Salle built a little ship called the Griffin, took her to Green 
Bay and loaded her with skins and furs. Unfortunately the 
vessel was lost on the voyage to Lake Erie, and did not return 
with needed supplies. While waiting for her. La Salle and his 
party moved into southern Illinois and built a fort, which they 
called " Creve Coeur," or Heart Break, from the disappointments 
they met with. 

Ascent of the Mississippi. — Joliet and Marquette had gone 
down the Mississippi. La Salle now sent Father Hennepin to 
ascend it as far as possible. La Salle himself returned through 
the wilderness, a thousand miles, to Montreal, for needed aid, 
leaving Fort Creve Coeur under command of De Tonti. Hen- 
nepin's party went up eight hundred miles from the Illinois 
to the Falls of the Mississippi, which he named after Saint 
Anthony. 

La Salle Reaches the Gulf, 1682. — After many delays and 
disappointments La Salle succeeded in traversing the whole 
downward course of the Mississippi, and planting the arms of 
France near its mouth. He called the river St. Louis, and the 
great valley through which it rolled Louisiana, in honor of the 
French king, and claimed the whole region over which he and 
his men had travelled for France. 

La Salle's Death. — To take firm possession of these lands 
La Salle went to France for men and arms. An expedition 
sailed for the mouth of the Mississippi, but the pilots carried 
the ships four hundred miles too far west to Matagorda Bay, 
and so Texas became part of Louisiana. After two years La 
Salle set out to reach Canada overland to bring them succor. 
His men soon mutinied and murdered their patient, brave, 
persevering leader. 



FRANCE IN THE NORTH AND WEST. 67 

Louisiana Settled, 1699. — D'Iberville built a fort at Biloxi, 
and planted the first white colony on the coast of Mississippi: 
Traders continued to come and go from Canada to the Gulf of 
Mexico, and France maintained her title to the whole great 
valley. 

French Names in the Mississippi Valley. — You can trace 
the journeys of the French explorers by the names of different 
places. The missionaries called their stations St. Mary, St. 
Joseph, St. Francis, St. Louis. Eau Claire^ Prairie du Ghien, 
Lac qui Parle, Terre Haute and like titles show how the natu- 
ral characteristics of the country were observed. At Des Moines 
pious monks preached the gospel; and other names will tell 
equally interesting stories. 

Questions. — 1. What explorations did Champlain make, and what difR- 
culty had he to contend with ? 2. How far west had he gone before the 
Pilgrims came to New England ? 3. Who came from France to help him 
make peace with the Indians ? 4. Tell of the first settlements on the Great 
Lakes, and for what purpose they were made. 5. Who first explored the 
waters of the Upper Mississippi, and when? 6. How far down the Missis- 
sippi did the explorers go ? 7. Who was La Salle, and what was his plan ? 
8. What were his first experiences ? 9. Tell of the ascent of the Mississippi, 
and of the toilsome journeys of La Salle and Hennepin. 10. When did La 
Salle reach the Gulf of Mexico, and what name did he give to the river and 
the country ? 11. What effort did he make to secure possession of the coun- 
try for France? 12. How did he meet his death ? 13. When and by whom 
was Louisiana settled ? 14. Give some of the French names in the Missis- 
sippi Valley, and tell their meanings. 15. Find all places mentioned on 
the map. 

AuTHOKiTiES.— Irving's Columbus; Fiske's Discovery of America ; Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella, and Con- 
quest of Mexico : Century Papers on Columbus; Monette's History of Louisiana and the Mississippi Valley; 
Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. I., II., III., IV. ; Winsor's Narrative and Critical History of the 
United States, Vol. I., II., 111., IV.; Drake's Indians of North America ; Fisher's Colonial Era ; Captain John 
Smith's Gcnerall Historie of Vir^nia ; Brown's Genesis of the United States; Campbell's History of Virj^nia ; 
Cooke's History of Virginia : McUv/aine's Religious Toleration in Virginia; Hildrelh's History of the United 
Slates, Vol. I.: Fiske's Beginnings of New England; Fiske's History of the United States; Tucker's Hansford; 
Macuuluy's History of England; Williamson's History of North Carolina; Ramsay's History of South Carolina. 



SUMMAHY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 



Discovery of Amekica. — What the ancients thought; how knowledge 
of geography grew ; Christopher Columbus ; becomes a sailor ; Portu- 
guese discoveries ; Columbus in Spain ; sails from Palos ; courage of Col- 
umbus ; the New World not Asia ; people of the islands ; return to Spain ; 
hope of wealth ; ill-treatment of Columbus ; discovery of South America ; 
naming the New World ; North America discovered by the English ; French 
discoveries ; Florida ; Spanish Conquests ; hostility of the natives ; Ferdi- 
nand De Soto. 

The American Indians. — Origin of the Indians; appearance of the 
Indians ; savage Indians ; barbarous Indians ; habits and customs of bar- 
barous Indians; traits of Indian character; Indian religion; "pipes of 
peace"; half-civilized Indians; Aztecs and Peruvians; Mound-Builders; 
three different races. 

Early Settlements — Virginia Colonized. — Unsuccessful effort of the 
French; Spanish settlements; Canada settled; first voyage around the 
world ; second voyage around the world ; first English settlement ; Ral- 
eigh's settlements ; Bartholomew Gosnold ; Virginia and Plymouth Com- 
panies; Virginia colony ; settlement at Jamestown, 1607 ; the first church ; 
Captain John Smitii ; visit to Powhatan ; Captain Smith saves the colony ; 
Pocahontas ; Smith's explorations ; efforts to improve the co]on5% 1609 ; 
Smith returns to England ; disasters of the colony — starving time ; Lord 
Delaware saves the colony, 1610 ; division of land — tobacco ; first election 
hi America, 1619; slavery universal, 1619; shipload of girls, 1620; mar- 
riage and death of Pocahontas ; Indian massacre, 1622 ; lessons taught by 
this first colony. 

New York, New Jersey and Delaware. — Henry Hudson; the Dutchin 
New York, New Jersey, and Delaware; patroons; growth of the Dutch 
colony ; trouble with the Indians ; Swedes in Delaware ; New Sweden taken 
by the Dutch ; Dutch slave-ships. 

Settlement of Maryland. — Claybome's settlement; Lord Baltimore; 
" Pilgrim's of St. Mary's," 1634 ; religious freedom ; difficulty between the 
settlements. 

Settlement of New England. — New England, 1607 ; first colony in New 
England, 1620 ; suffering and death ; Massachusetts Bay colony, 1628 ; the 
Puritans; false idea of religious libei-ty ; Governor Endicott's laws ; voting 
law, 1631 ; exile of Williams — Khode Island settled ; Anne Hutchinson ; 
settlement of Connecticut: Saybrooke and New Haven ; Pequotwar; New 
Hampshire settled. 1623, and ]\Iaine, 1630. 

The Colonies Under the CoMMONWEALTn.-Execution of Charles I. ; 

[G8] 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 69 

effect on the colonies ; acts of the Virginia assembly ; second Indian mas- 
sacre ; prosperity of Virginia ; loyalty of the colony ; yields to Parliament, 
1652; self-government in the colony; religious freedom; Maryland during 
the Commonwealth ; New England under the Commonwealth ; united colo- 
nies of New England, 1643; trouble with the Indians; slaying of Mianto- 
nomo ; efforts against intolerance ; New England friendly with Cromwell ; 
rise of the Quakers ; Quakers persecuted ; banishment of Quakers ; execu- 
tion of Quakers. 

Virginia After the Restoration. — Bacon's Rebellion. — Restoration of 
Charles II. , 1660 ; restriction of liberty ; resistance ; injustice of the king ; 
efforts to secure a new charter ; fresh trouble with the Indians ; outrages in 
Virginia ; Nathaniel Bacon ; Berkeley's harsh ti-eatment of Bacon ; a new 
assembly; Berkeley's tyranny, 1676; the commission granted; further ill- 
treatment of Bacon ; Bacon's rebellion ; first Declaration of Rights, 1676 ; 
Indians defeated at Bloody Rim ; Jamestown burned ; Bacon's death ; re- 
sistance of the planters ; treaty with the Five Nations, 1684 ; effects of the 
restoration in Maryland. 

The Northern Colonists After the Restoration — The Carolinas, 
Pennsylvania and DELA^YARE. — Effects of the restoration in New Eng- 
land ; charters of Connecticut and Rhode Island ; subjection of Massachu- 
setts ; John Eliot ; King Philip's War, 1675 ; attack on Swanzej^ ; result of 
the war ; Massachusetts charter annulled ; Dutch territoiy given to the Duke 
of York, 1684; colony of New Jersey ; beginning of the Carolinas; settle- 
ments in North Carolina; the "Grand Model"; South Carolina settled, 
1670; the Huguenots in the colonies ; Indian troubles. 

Pennsylvania. — Grant to William Penn, 1681 ; founding of Philadelphia, 
1682 ; treaty with the Indians ; growth of the colony ; Delaware a separate 
colony, 1703. 

Colonies under James II. — Their Differences and Resemblances. — 
New England charters revoked, 1687; story of the Charter Oak, 1687; An- 
dros's tyranny ; James the friend of Penn ; unfriendly to Maryland ; Virginia 
oppressed ; Monmouth's followers sold as slaves ; downfall of James ; Wil- 
liam and Mary ; effects in America ; Leisler in New York ; colonies in 1688 ; 
resemblances among the colonists ; differences among the colonists ; char- 
acter and opinions of the Virginians ; modes of life in Virginia ; education 
in Virginia ; Massachusetts settlers ; Puritans a peculiar people ; education 
in New England — Harvard College, 1636; Intolecance; New England modes 
of life ; life in the other colonies ; slaveiy universal ; how life has changed ; 
William and Mary College, 1693— Yale College, 1700. 

France in the North and West. — Champlain's explorations; French 
missionaries ; France on the Great Lakes ; exploration of the Upper Missis- 
sippi, 1673; first trip down the Mississippi ; La Salle; ascent of the Missis- 
sippi ; La Salle reaches the Gulf, 1682 ; La Salle's death ; Louisiana settled, 
1699 ; French names in the Mississippi Valley. 



70 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS— 1689-1763. 



CHAPTER XI. 

KING WILLIAM'S WAR AND QUEEN ANNE'S WAR. 

War of 1689.— There were at this period about 200,000 
white people in the English colonies. In New France, from the 
St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, were nearly 12,000 whites. 
A fierce war at once broke out between France and England, 
which extended to America. The Iroquois were allies of the 
English. All the other Indians were friendly to the French. 

Cruelties of the French and Indians. — All sorts of savage 
deeds were committed. The Iroquois burned, and murdered, 
and ravaged in Canada, and bands of Frenchmen did the same 
things in New York. These fearful midnight surprises, burn- 
ings and killings, went on for several years. In 1692 more than 
a third of the residents in New York and Maine were slaugh- 
tered. 

New England Makes Resistance. — The people of New 
England sent expeditions against both Quebec and Montreal, 
but without success. Port Royal, in Acadia, however, sur- 
rendered to a New England fleet. 

Peace of Ryswick, 1697. — The war in Europe came to an 
end. A treaty was made at Ryswick, and peace followed in 
America for awhile. 

Queen Anne's War, 1702. — The next outbreak occurred 
when Queen Anne succeeded William and Mary. The colonists 
in the north and the south were again involved. In both North 
and South Carolina there were frequent fights between the In- 
dians and the colonists. South Carolina punished the red men 
so severely that for a long time their outrages ceased. Fearful 
destruction and murders were committed by the Tuscaroras 
and Coree tribes in North Carolina, but at last, by help from 




Longitude 






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TERRITORY OF 

NEW FRANCE 

AND THE 

ENGLISH COLONIES 

AT THE TIME OF THE 

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 

SCALE OF Mil ES 



KING William's and queen anne's war. 71 

South Carolina, the Indians were thoroughly defeated. They 
became disheartened, abandoned Carolina, and joined the con- 
federacy of the Iroquois in New York, which was from that 
time called the Six Nations. 

Indian Atrocities. — Along the northern borders more cruel 
acts were committed than before. Tortures, murders, burning 
and scalping were so frequent that the English at last offered 
to pay ten pounds for every Indian scalp brought to them. 

End of the War, 1713. — There was a second unsuccessful 
effort to capture Quebec. Nova Scotia, however, was conquered, 
and, together with Newfoundland and the Hudson Bay territory, 
remained in possession of the English when peace was made in 
1713. 

France in the Northwest. — During both these wars New 
France became stronger in the Northwest. A chain of forts was 
built between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Valley. 
William Penn, Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, and Governor 
Schuyler, of New York, tried in vain to induce England to es- 
tablish similar military posts west of the Alleghanies. 

The Central Colonies. — This war did not affect the central 
colonies, which continued prosperous during the whole time, 
although their trade was somewhat interfered with ; and there 
was always a strife for power between the representatives of 
the people and the royal governors. 

Questions. — 1. What was the number of white settlers in the English 
colonies when William and Mary came to the throne ? 2. What territory 
was claimed by France, and what was the cause of King William's war? 
3. What cruelties were perpetrated in New York and New England by the 
Indians and French? 4. What resistance was made by New England? 

5. When was the peace of Ryswiek. and what effect had it in America? 

6. When did Queen Anne's war break out, and which colonies were involved 
in this struggle ? 7. Tell of Indian outrages in North Carolina. 8. What 
effort was made by the English to put an end to the Indian atrocities ? 
9. When did Queen Anne's war end, and what territory remained in pos- 
session of the English? 10. How did the French grow stronger in the 
Northwest? 11. Who tried to persuade the English to pursue the same 
course west of the Alleghanies? 12. Tell of the Central Colonies. 
13. Find all places mentioned on the map. 



72 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTEE XII. 

COLONIES UNDER GEORGE I. AND GEORGE II. 

Increase of Population, 1688-1714.— When the German 
George I. succeeded Queen Anne on the English throne, the 
population of the colonies had increased from 232,000, in 1688, 
to 465,000 in 1714 — had doubled in twenty-six years, notwith- 
standing the wars spoken of in the last chapter. Some of this 
increase was from European immigration, but most of it was 
among the native whites. 

Peace in George I.'s Reign. — The bad old king interfered 
little with affairs in England, not at all in the colonies, which 
were left pretty much to themselves. The nations of Europe 
were exhausted by fighting, and were glad to be at peace. This 
peace was broken in America only by occasional contests with 
the Indians. 

Defeat of the Yemassees in South Carolina. — The Te 
massee tribes in the southwestern part of South Carolina, 
after fi-iendship with the whites, became hostile, and made a 
sudden war upon them. One hundred white people were 
butchered at Pocotaligo on the morning of April 17th, 1715. 
People from other villages fled to Charleston, and the country 
was fiUed with alarm. Governor Craven, with a few hundred 
whites and some faithful slaves, marched against the Indians, 
who had nine hundred warriors. North Carolina and Virginia 
sent him men, and New England sent arms, and at last the Ye- 
massees were driven into Florida. 

South Carolina Becomes a Royal Province. — Shortly after 
this, South Carolina threw off its proprietary rule, elected a 
governor and became a royal province. 

Advance of the Colonies. — Local wars retarded very lit- 
tle the general advance of the whole country. There was 
always more or less struggle between the royal governors and 



COLONIES UNDER GEORGE I. AND GEORGE II. 



73 



the assemblies of the colonies, but education and prosperity 
steadily increased. 

Governor Spotswood in Tirginia. — In 1710 Queen Anne 
sent to Virginia the best royal governor the province ever had, 
Alexander Spotswood. Governor Spotswood did much to de- 
velop the resources of Virginia and promote its prosperity. He 
compelled the Indians to adhere to their treaties of peace, and 
at the same time supported schools to educate their children. 

Spotswood's Iron Works, 1714.— In 1714 Governor Spots- 
wood established at Germanna, on the Rappahannock, a furnace 
for forging iron, one of the first in the colonies. At Massa- 




GOVEKNOE SPOTSWOOD CROSSING THE BLUE RII>GE. 

ponax, lower down the river, he had a foundry where andirons, 
firebacks, pots, shovels and other simple utensils were made, 
better and cheaper than those brought from England. 

Expedition Across the Blue Ridge, 1716. — Spotswood is 
chiefly distinguished for his exploring expedition to the un- 
known region beyond the Blue Eidge Mountains. This expedi- 
tion set out in August from '-Chelsea," on the Mattaponi River, 
where Spotswood's son-in-law, Austin Moore, lived. The party 
consisted of twelve gentlemen, two small companies of rangers 
and four Meherrin Indians to act as interpreters. At Germanna 
the horses were shod to fit them for the rough mountain travel- 



74 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



ling. Going up the Rappahannock, through a fertile country 
filled with game, Spotswood, on the 5th of September, climbed 
to the top of the mountains and saw the beautiful Valley of 
Virginia spread out before him. 

Valley of Virginia Taken Possession of. — With blowing 
of trumpets and drinking of healths, he claimed the whole re- 
gion for his master, King George. The party crossed the Shen- 
andoah River, which they called the Euphrates. The place 
where this crossing was made is believed to have been Swift 




W U.l.IAM AND MARV 



Run Gap. Spotswood wished to establish in commemoration of 
it the " Knights of the Golden Horseshoe," but it never came 
to anything. 

Spotswood Displaced by the Council, 1722. — In spite of 
all that Spotswood had done to promote the vrelfare of the col- 
ony, he gave great offence, by taking the part of the clergy 
against the vestries. Both people and council were opposed to 
him in 1722, and he was displaced by the council which had 
become very powerful in Virginia. 

George IT., 1727. — George II. succeeded his father in 1727. 
Three years later he made Governor Spotswood, who continued 



COLONIES UNDER GEORGE I. AND GEORGE II. 75 

to reside in Virginia, the deputy postmaster-general for the colo- 
nies. Spotswood appointed Benjamin Franklin one of his depu- 
ties, and put such energy into his work that Williamsburg and 
Philadelphia were brought within ten days of each other. 

Prosperity of Virginia. — During this period the colony was 
as important and prosperous as at any time before the Revolu- 
tion. Following the governor's example, the rich planters lived 
in elegance at their stately homes, some of which may still be 
seen along the river banks. The oldest sons were sent to school 
and college in England, the younger ones to William and Mary 
College. The daughters of the family received such education 
as was customary for women in those days, went to Williams- 
burg in the season, danced at the governor's balls and assisted 
in entertaining the guests at their hospitable homes. 

Questions. — 1. "What was the increase in population in the colonies from 
1688 to 1714? 2. Tell of George I. and his ^eign. 3. What Indian out- 
bre&,k occurred in South Carolina, and how was it put down? 4. What 
change took place in South Carolina about this time ? 5. Tell of the ad- 
vance of the colonies during this period. 6. AVhen did Governor Spots- 
wood come to Virginia, and in what ways did he benefit the colony? 
7. When and where were tools and utensils of iron first made in the colo- 
nies ? 8. Tell of Spotswood's expedition across the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
9. How was the Valley of Virginia taken possession of ? 10. When and 
why was Spotswood displaced ? 11. Tell of the postal system in the colo- 
nies in George II. 's time. 13. Describe the life of the planters in Virginia. 



CHAPTER XHL 

SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 

Grant to Oglethorpe.'— In 1733 George II. granted a pat^ 
ent to James Edward Oglethorpe for the country lying be- 

1 James Edward Oglethorpe, an Englishman of noble character and fine educa- 
tion, became deeply concerned at the miserable condition of poor men in England. 
Whoever could not pay what he owed was thrown into prison without hope of 
release. Oglethorpe first induced Parliament to do something tor these poor deb- 
tors, and then formed a plan to provide for them in America. 



76 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



tween the Savannah River and the Altamaha, which was called 
Georgia after the king. 

Settlement at Savannah. — Parliament voted ten thousand 
pounds to assist in Oglethorpe's project, and missionary associ- 
ations gave him more, so that . ♦^ 




SETTLEMENT OF SAVANNAH, 1733. 



about half a mil- 
lion dollars were 
raised. Ogle- 
thorpe then 
crossed the ocean with one hundred and fifty men, his first sup- 
ply of colonists, and laid ofi* a town where the city of Savannah 
now stands. 

The Indians Friendly. — The Yamacraw Indians close to 
the new town brought the white men a buffalo skin painted on 
the under side with the head and feathers of an eagle, which 
signified love. The Muskogees south of Savannah also sought 
the friendship of the English, and Oglethorpe made a treaty 
with them. The Cherokees from the mountains and Choctaws 
from the west also desired to be their friends. 

German and Italian Settlers. — Oglethorpe offered an asy- 
lum to persecuted Protestants as well as to oppressed English- 
men. Roman Catholics were excluded from his province. The 
first to accept his proffers of religious freedom was a band of 
Protestants from Salzburg in Germany, who came over in 1734. 
Other Salzburgers followed, and a Moravian congregation, led by 
their pastor, came over and settled near their countrymen. 
These people were accustomed to privations and hardshij)s, and 
brought with them their industrious, frugal, German habits. 
Italians came also to introduce the cultivation of silk, and, like 




SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 77 

the Germans, were helpfvil in developing the resources of the 
new country. 

The Scotch at Darien.— Oglethorpe went back to England 
to interest the people and bring out fresh colonists. He carried 
some Indians with him who excited much ad- 
miration. Before long Oglethorpe returned 
to Georgia with several hundred recruits. A' 
band of Scotch Highlanders with their families 
and their pastor, were settled on the banks of ^ 
the Altamaha River, about sixteen miles from 
St. Simon's Island. Here the sturdy Scots J 
built a fort, and called the country around it 

_. ^,1 1T1TJT , OGLETHOEPE. 

Darien. Oglethorpe established a trading post 

at Augusta and built a strong, fortified town called Frederica, 

on the west side of St. Simon's Island. 

Slavery and Rum Prohibited.— While in England, Ogle- 
thorpe induced ParHament to forbid slaves and rum to be taken to 
Georgia. This dissatisfied the Georgians, who thought that 
negi'o labor would be very profitable in their climate. 

The Wesleys and Whitefleld. — Three famous English clergy- 
men, John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, came to 
Georgia about this time, hoping to do much 
good by preaching to the colonists and con- 
verting the Indians. The Wesleys were 
much opposed to the introduction of slaves 
into the colony. Whitefield was equally in 
favor of it, because he believed it to be the 
means of doing the savage negroes good. 
\ \, ''^\^^ gjg gj^j^g proved the stronger and African 
JOHN WESLEY. slavcry prevailed in Georgia as in the other 
twelve colonies. Whitefield was so much struck with an orphan 
asylum among the Moravians that he established one in Savannah, 
which exists their still. 

War with the Spaniards.— The Spaniards in Florida were 
very hostile to the English in Georgia, and Oglethorpe pre- 
pared for the war which he saw must come. He was made a 





78 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

general and commander of all the forces in South Carolina and 
Georgia, and had a regiment six hundred strong from England. 
Before making war on the Spaniards, Gen- 
eral Oglethorpe met a number of Indian 
chiefs in council, smoked a pipe of peace 
with them and obtained a fresh title to the 
:^ land of the State of Georgia. In 17.39, 
g when war was declared between England 
^jji' and Spain, Oglethorpe made an unsuccess- 
^s.^,u,v ^ ful effort to capture St. Augustine, in Flo- 
wHiTEFiELD. Tidsi. Hc then devoted himself to strength- 

ening the defences of Georgia. 

Effort against Savannah. — In June, 1742, fifty Spanish ships 
with five thousand troops came to capture Frederica, and de- 
stroy the English in Georgia. Oglethorpe had only a few small 
vessels and a thousand men. In some way he got word to the 
Spanish commander that he was expecting large British rein- 
forcements. Just at this time, a few ships from Chai*leston 
came in sight. The Spaniards became so much alarmed that 
they went off at once, leaving their cannon and stores behind 
them. 

Greorgia a Royal Province, 1752. — Ten years later, Georgia 
became a royal province, and increased steadily in prosperity and 
population up to the time of the American Revolution. 

Northwest Sold to Virginia, 1744.— In 1744 the Six Na 
tions of Indians made a treaty with Virginia, in which they 
bound themselves for four hundred pounds, to make a deed 
"recognizing the king's right to all the lands that are or shall 
be by his majesty's appointment in the colony of Virginia." By 
which deed the claims of Virginia were extended indefinitely 
toward the west and northwest. 

New England Captures Lonisburg, 1745. — The continu- 
ance of hostilities in Europe, encouraged renewed strife between 
New England and Canada. In 1745 Louisburg, on Cape Breton 
Island, the strongest French fortress after Quebec, and the 
chief harbor for the French privateers which plundered New Eng^ 



SETTLEMENT OP GEORGIA. 79 

land ships, was captured, after a siege of six weeks, by 4,000 New 
England soldiers commanded by William PeppereU, a rich mer- 
chant, assisted by four English warships. For this gallant 
action Pej^perell was made a baronet. The people of New Eng- 
land were greatly disgusted because when peace was made in 
1748, Louisburg was restored to France. 

Steady Improvement — First New spaper. — The population 
of the colonies had doubled in fifty years ; their commerce im- 
proved even more. Boston was the leading town in commerce 
and ship-building, and New England had built fine ships of war 
for the British navy. In Boston, too, the first American news- 
paper, "The News Letter," had been published in 1704. By 
the middle of the century there were other papers in New Eng- 
land, New York, Philadelphia, Maryland, Virginia, and South 
Carolina. Printing had, in spite of the opposition of the royal 
governors, made its way into Virginia, and several books had 
been printed there. 

Benjamin Franklin — George Washington. — In 1724 there 
came to Philadelphia, having run away from his home in Boston, 
a young printer, Benjamin Franklin by name. He had received 
little education, but had a fine intellect, a healthy body, and 
much industry and perseverance. He got good work and made 
many friends in Philadelphia, and played an important part in 
the stirring times of which you will soon be told. Other men 
even greater and better than Franklin were now being trained 
to take their part in shaping the destinies of the country. 
Foremost among them was George Washington, who was born 
at Wakefield, near Bridges' Creek, on the Potomac Eiver, in West- 
moreland county, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of James Edward Oglethorpe, and his interest in 
the poor debtors. 2. What was his plan, and what grant was made him by 
George II.? 3. When and how was the city of Savannah settled ? 4. What 
Indian tribes showed a desire for peace with these settlers. 5. Who were 
the Salzburgers, and when did they come to Georgia? 6. From what other 
country did settlers come, and why? 7. In what part of the colony did the 
Scotch settle ? 8. What were at first prohibited ? 9. Tell of the Wesleys 



80 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and Whitefield in Georgia. 10. What preparations did Oglethorpe make 
for the war with the Spaniards? 11. Tell of his unsuccessful effort against 
St. Augustine. 12. What effort was made against Savannah in 1742, and 
with what result? 13. When did Georgia become a royal province? 
14. When and in what way did Virginia gain the Northwest ? 15. Tell 
of the capture of Louisburg by the people of New England. 16. When 
was peace made ? 17. Describe the progress of the colonies at this time. 
18. What and where was the first newspaper published ? 19. What can 
you tell of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington ? 



CHAPTER XIV. 

SETTLEMENT OF THE VALLEY OF VIRGINIA— THE FRENCH IN THE 
WEST AND NORTH. 

Yalley of Virginia Settled, 1732.— The first settlements in 
the Valley of Virginia were made on Opequon Creek and along 
the Shenandoah River and its branches, by Scotch-Irish Pres- 
byterians from Pennsylvania. The beginning of the town of 
Winchester was two cabins, built in 1738 near the Shawnee 
Springs, a favorite camping place of the Indians. 

Sailing's Exploration.— John Marlin, a peddler, and John 
Sailing, a weaver, explored the great valley running south- 
ward. Sailing was captured by the Indians and held as a pri- 
soner for six years. John Lewis and John Mackey were so 
much pleased with Sailing's account of the region beyond the 
Blue Ridge that they went there with him, with a party of 
Scotch-Irish who had just come over from the old country. 
Lewis built a stone house (Lewis's Fort) near Staunton ; Mac- 
key went farther west, near Buffalo Gap ; and SaUing estab- 
lished himself fifty miles aAvay at the forks of the James River, 
where "Sailing's Mountain" recalls his memory.' 

iThese Scotch-Irish were a sturdy race. Amongthem were men of good family 
and education. They first built cabins for themselves and then put up their 
churches. Old stone churches are still to be seen, where the women brought 
sand for mortar in their aprons, while the men built up the rock quarried with 
hard labor, keeping guard all the while against the Indians. 



THE FRENCH IN THE WEST AND NORTH. 81 

Benjamin Burden in Rockbridge County, — Benjamin Bur- 
den, an agent of Lord Fairfax, visited Lewis in his backwoods 
home. The country pleased Burden, and he obtained a grant 
for five hundred thousand acres of land on condition that he 
should in ten years settle one hundred families upon it. This 
grant comprised most of what is now Rockbridge county, Vir- 
ginia. 

Religious Toleration. — There was never any active religious 
persecution in Virginia, although the cavaliers and English 
churchmen had made laws which bore hardly upon those who 
differed with them. When the Valley of Virginia was settled 
by Presbyterians a j)etition was drawn up that they should be 
allowed "the free enjoyment of their civil and religious lib- 
erty." Full toleration was then granted them by Governor 
Gooch. 

Germans in the Valley, 1745. — Not only the Scotch-Irish, 
but Germans in large numbers came from Pennsylvania to Vir- 
ginia. They settled at Shepherdstown, on the Potomac River, 
and farther up the Valley, where many of their descendants 
still live in the counties of Shenandoah and Rockingham. 

George Washington, the Young Surveyor. — Thomas, Lord 
Faii'f ax, who owned great estates on the Rappahannock, removed 
from there in 1745 and settled at Greenway Court, thirteen 
miles from Winchester. The king had given Fairfax a patent 
for a vast tract of land in the Valley, and he employed his young 
connection, George Washington, to survey it. Washington was 
only seventeen years old, but he did his 
work so well that no mistake has ever been 
found in the many plats made by him. 

The French in the West and North. — 
The English had only reached the eastern 
slopes of the Alleghanies, but the French 
had steadily pushed forward in the country 
west of the mountains. La Salle's military 
posts on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers bienvillk. 

were kept up, and continual intercourse went on between Canada 
6 




82 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and Louisiana, where Bienville had settled New Orleans in 1718. 
The Indians were much opposed to having white settlements 
and forts established among them, and there was constant strife. 

France Claims the Ohio. — By the middle of the century 
sixty French posts had been established between the lakes and 
the Gulf of Mexico. The principal one, on the Wabash, was 
called Vincennes. French attention was now turned to the 
Ohio — la belle riviere, "the beautiful river " — and the country 
drained by it. Celeron claimed it for France by nailing to trees 
and burying in the ground leaden plates on which the French 
claims were inscribed. 

Resistance to French Claims. — The English in the colonies 
and the Indians along the rivers both opposed these claims. 
The colonies would not consent to be excluded from the regions 
beyond the mountains, of which hunters and traders brought 
goodly report.- Benjamin Franklin was sent by Pennsylvania 
to consult with the Indians at Logstown, not far from Pitts- 
burg. It was time, for Franklin carried back to Philadelphia 
intelligence that the French had already built three forts on the 
Alleghany River, and were about to do the same on the Monon- 
gahela. 

The Ohio Company of Virginians, 1749. — Parliament had 
given six hundred thousand acres of land on the south side of 
the Ohio to a company of Virginians, with exclusive permis- 
sion to trade with the Indians there. If the French advanced 
to the Monongahela they would be in Virginia territory, and the 
colony determined to assert itself against such encroachments. 

Questions. — 1. Who settled the Valley of Virginia, and when and where 
was the settlement made ? 2. Tell the story of Sailing's exploration and 
settlement. 3. What settlement was made by Benjamin Burden ? 4. De- 
scribe the Scotch-Irish settlers and the building of their churches. 5. Was 
there religious toleration in Virginia ? G. What other race settled in the 
Valley, when and where? 7. What can you tell of Lord Fairfax and 
George Washington? 8. IIow and where had the French ^stiiblished 
themselves in the west and north ? 9. To what river did the French lay 
claim? 10. What resistance was made to this claim? 11. What grant 
had been made to Virginia in 1749 ? 



OPENING OF THE COLONIAL WAR. 



83 



CHAPTER XV. 

OPENING OF THE COLONIAL WAR. 

Causes of the Colonial War. — This war was different from 
those against the Indians for self-preservation, or the fights 
against the French and Spaniards on account of England. It 
was begun by the colonists in defence of their rights. There 
were nearly 200,000 of them native-born, and loving their coun- 
try. The 20,000 French whites were in alliance with the North- 
western Indians. But the native colonists did not dread the 
red men as their fathers had done. They were as swift to 
march, as sudden to attack, as alert and fearless as the Indians, 
and bore defeat and torture with equal stoicism. 

Washington Carries a Message to the French. — Before 
beginning active hostilities. Governor Dinwiddle, of Virginia, 
thought it best to send the 



French commander on the 
Ohio a protest against his 
invasion of Virginia terri- 
tory, and a notice that war 
would ensue if he did not 
withdraw from it. George 
Washington, who was just 
twenty -one, and who had 
been made a major, was se- 
lected for this dangerous 
mission. He set out from 
Williamsburg on October 30, 
1753, with his old fencing- 
master, Van Braam, to act as 
interpreter. At Will's Creek, 
now Cumberland, Maryland, 
the Ohio Company had a trading-post. Here Christopher Gist, 
the company's agent, joined Washington, and they proceeded 




ROUTE OF WASHINGTON AND SCENE OF 
FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 



84 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

to Logstown to confer with the Indians. Several of the chiefs 
accompanied Washington to seek the French commander. The 
Chevalier de St. Pierre received the young Virginian courteously, 
but tried to entice the Indians to forsake him and join the French. 

Result of the Embassy. — Great perils and hardships were 
encountered on the winter journey homeward. Washington 
and Gist made their way on foot to Gist's home, on the Monon- 
gahela, where Washington got a horse and rode as fast as he 
could to Williamsburg with his letter from the French com- 
mander. St. Pierre sent a civil reply to Governor Dinwiddle, 
but said he must obey his superiors. Washington advised that 
a Virginia fort should be built at the "forks of the river," where 
Pittsburg now stands. 

The Fort Captured by the French. — Orders were given to 
raise six companies of Virginia soldiers ; the assembly voted 
two thousand pounds, and the Ohio Company sent men to 
buUd a fort at the appointed place. Colonel Fry was in com- 
mand of the troops, with Washington, now a lieutenant-colonel, 
second in command. A\Tien Washington, with two companies, 
reached Will's Creek, he learned that a large French force had 
driven off the Virginians, taken possession of their fort, had 
finished and garrisoned it, and called it Fort Du Quesne. Col- 
onel Fry died suddenly, and the command devolved upon Wash- 
ington, who advanced cautiously towards the fort. A small 
French force was encountered in the woods. Both parties 
fired, a number of French were killed, and the rest surrendered. 
Notwithstanding this success, Washington Avas obliged to fall 
back to save his men from the greatly outnumbering French. 

Great Meadows, 1754. — At Great Meadows the Virginians 
buUt a small fort called Fort Necessity. Before it was done, 
Washington's 400 men were attacked by 1,500 French. A fierce 
fight went on from 10 o'clock until nightfall. By that time 200 
Frenchmen had been kQled or wounded, and their commander 
asked for a conference. Washing'ton and his men had been 
most of the day up to their knees in mud and water. He knew 
that it would be impossible for them to keep the contest up, and 



OPENING OF THE WAR. 



85 



made an honorable surrender on the 4th of July. A vote of 
thanks was given to Washington and his officers when they 
returned to Williamsburg, and a sum of money to be divided 
among his men. 

France and England Take Part in the War. — There was 
peace in Europe, but both France and England joined in the 
war in America. In 1755 General Braddock was sent out from 
England with two regiments of British regulars. In April 
Braddock held a council of war at Alexandria, in which the gov- 
ernors of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Mas- 
sachusetts took part. It was decided that four separate attacks 
should be made on the French — one against Nova Scotia ; one 
against Crown Point, on Lake Champlain; one against Fort 
Niagara, between Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the most import- 
ant of all by General Braddock against Fort Du Quesne and the 
French in the Ohio Valley. 

Exile of the Acadians. — The attack upon Acadia, in Nova 

Scotia was successful. The Acadians 
"refused to submit to the English 
— ■ -^^ laws, and 
were, there- 
fore, expel- 
1 e d from 
their coun- 
try. Seven 
.thousand of 




TJJ^ 



EXILE OF THE ACADIANS. thcm WerC 

carried to different parts of the English colonies. Many of their 
descendants, called "Cajans," are found in western Louisiana. 
In Longfellow's poem "EvangeHne," you may read a touching 
account of them. 



Questions.— 1. What causes brought on the Colonial War? 2. Tell of 
Washington's embassy to the French in 1753, and who accompanied him. 
3. When did he return to Williamsburg? 4. What was the result of his 
embassy ? 5. Where was the fort built, and how was it captured ? 6. What 
was the result of Washington's effort to recapture the fort ? 7. Tell of the 



86 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

attack at Great Meadows in 1754. 8. How were Washington and his 
officers received on their return to Williamsburg ? 9. What countries now 
took part in the Colonial War, and what officer was sent out from England 
to talve command of the forces ? 10. What colonies took part in the couu- 
cil of war, and what plan of attack was decided upon? 11. Which expe- 
dition was successful? 12. Where may you read the story of the Acadians? 
13. Find on the map all places mentioned. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

COLONIAL WAR— INDIAN WARS. 

Braddock's Advance, 1755. — On April 20th Braddock began 
his march with 2,500 men and a quantity of vehicles nnsuited 
for mountain travelling. The British general had no opinion 
of the colonial troops, and would not believe that the Indians 
were dangerous foes. Washington, who went as an aide-de- 
camp, could not persuade him to take any precautions against 
them. By July 9th Braddock's army was within seven miles of 
Fort Du Quesne. As the red coats marched forward, their 
bayonets glittering in the sun, they fell into an ambush, and a 
storm of bullets burst upon them from unseen enemies. 

Braddock's Defeat. — The colonial soldiers at once scattered 
among the trees and rocks to defend themselves. The regulars 
halted in the road, and in vain attempted to return the fire of 
the unseen foe ; terrified by the yells and deadly aim of their 
hidden assailants, they retreated in utter panic. The officers 
tried vainly to rally them ; they left their cannon and baggage 
and fled for their lives. Seven hundred were killed, including 
General Braddock and most of the officers. 

Washinsrton's Bravery. — Washington had two horses shot 
under him, and four bullets passed through clothing, but 

he bore himself with the utmofet coolness. He helped to bear 
Braddock from the field, and buried him at Great Meadows. 
Virginia rewarded his bravery with three hundred pounds, and 
the command of all her forces. 



COLONIAL WAR — INDIAN WARS. 



87 



Victory at Lake George. — Braddock's defeat discouraged 
the colonies and prevented the attack on Fort Niagara. Sir 
William Johnson, however, gained an important victory over 
the French and Indians near Lake George. He also built Fort 
William Henry as a defence of the upper Hudson. 

The Seven Years' War. — France, Austria and Eussia about 
this time made war upon Prussia. England took the Prussian 
side. The whole of Europe was involved, and great prepara- 
tions were made for a struggle in America. 

French Success in New Yorli. — At first the French had 
much the best of it. Their general, Montcalm, captured Forts 
Oswego and Ontai'io, and gained control of 
Lake Ontario. He then captured Fort AVil- 
liam Henry at the southern extremity of 
Lake George. General Abercrombie, the 
English general, failed in an effort to cap- 
ture Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain, 
and fell back in affright before a smaller 
French army. 

English Successes. — AVUliam Pitt now 
took the head of affairs in England, and 
under his management a great change was 
effected in America. General Wolfe cap- 
tured and destroyed Louisburg, General 
Bradstreet seized Fort Frontenac, which 
commanded Lake Ontario, and Colonel Washington took pos- 
session of Fort Du Quesne. This fort was repaired and renamed 
Fort Pitt. Pittsburg on the same spot bears the name of the 
great Englishman. Niagara, Ticonderoga and Crown Point also 
fell into English hands. 

Attacli OT* Quehec, 1759. — The capture of Quebec was now 
the most ii * ■:'tant effort, and this enterprise was entrusted to 
General Wolfe. The fortress of Quebec, which stands on the 
" Heights of Abraham," at the top of cliffs three hundred feet 
high, was held by Montcalm with 7,000 men. After months of 
watching and waiting, Wolfe espied a narrow path ascending 




LAKE GEORGE. 



88 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



between two steep cliffs, and then determined to try and reach 
the Heights by means of it. 

Climbing the Heights of Abraham. — 

Before dawn on September 13th, English 
troops moved noiselessly in small boats to 
the foot of the path. A French sentinel 
hailed them in passing, '■'■Qui va laf^ 
"Who goes there?" "ia France,'" was 
the reply. "_/>e quel regiment f'' "Z>e la 
Reine^'' answered an Englishman who knew 
WOLFE. that such troops were near by. '■'■ Passe,'^ 

said the sentinel. When the cove was reached a body of light 
infantry clambered up the cliff, and dispersed the pickets at 
the top. The rest followed, until 4,000 disciplined British 
soldiers stood on the plain on the north side of the citadel. 
They also drew up, with severe labor, one or two small cannon. 
French Resistance.— j- 





The French were greatly 
surprised to find the Eng- 
lish close to them. They 
were more in number, but 
less efficient than their as- 
sailants. Montcalm made 
desperate but unsuccessful 
efforts to dislodge the Brit- 
ish. Wolfe's men did not 
fire until the French came 
within forty yards, then 
they mowed them down. 

Victory— Death of qukbec a.nd vicinity. 

Wolfe. — In the fierce struggle many fell on both sides. Mont- 
calm's second in command was killed — he himself wounded. 
Wolfe also was shot in the hand. He bound up the wound and 
led a bayonet charge of two regiments. As the French re- 
treated, Wolfe received a bullet through his lungs. An officer 
who was supporting his general's head cried out, " They fly ! 




COLONIAL WAR INDIAN WARS. 89 

they fly!" "Who fly?" whispered the dying hero. "The 
French ! the French ! " answered the officer. " God be praised," 
gasped Wolfe, "I die happy," and his spirit passed from earth 
in the very moment of victory. 

Surrender of Quebec. — General Montcalm had also received 
his death wound. When the surgeon told him he could only 
live a few hours. " So much the better," he 
repUed ; " I shall not see the surrender of 
Quebec." That surrender was made in a 
few days, and the French dominion in Ame- 
rica came to an end. 

Monument to Wolfe and Montcalm. — 
You may now see on the plain where they 
fell a tall granite monument sixty feet 
high, bearing an inscription on one side montcalm. 

to General Wolfe, and on the other side to the Marquis de 
Montcalm. 

Treaty of Paris, 1763.— When the "Seven Years' War" 
came to an end, England gained the Floridas from Spain and 
all the region held by France east of the Mississippi. France 
gave to Spain, in exchange for Florida, her possessions west of 
the Mississippi and the island on which New Orleans stood. 

Important Results of Colonial War. — During this war the 
colonies lost 30,000 men and $11,000,000, but the people had 
been trained in self-reliance. Their troops had learned the tac- 
tics and discipline of the British army, had often found them- 
selves superior to the regulars, and had gained immensely in 
experience and ideas of self-government. 

Pontiac's War, 1763. — In 1763 what is known as Pontiac's 
War, because Pontiac, the gigantic chief of the Ottawas, was 
the leading spirit in it, broke out, the object of which was the 
destruction of the English. Pontiac was more intelligent, more 
fertile in resources, and more persevering than the Indians gen- 
erally were. Under his direction the war raged for two years. 
The English garrisons in the western forts were almost all cap- 
tured and massacred with savage cruelty, and the settlers all 



90 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

along the frontiers, especially in Pennsylvania, were tortured 
and butchered with fiendish atrocities. 

Bouquet's Victory, 1764. — At last Colonel Henry Bouquet, 
a Swiss officer, who understood the Indian character and modes 
of fighting-, collected a force and marched to defend the Ohio 
Valley. At Bushy Run a bloody battle was fought against an 
Indian force on their way to capture Fort Pitt, and Bouquet 
gained the most decisive victory ever won over the red men. 
This defeat broke up Pontiac's confederacy. Treaties of peace 
were made, and two hundred white captives were give^ up. 
Pontiac himself sued for peace. He was murdered later on, at 
Cahokia, in a drunken brawl. 

Questions. — 1. Describe the advance of General Braddock's army in 
1755 and the ambush into which it fell. 2. Tell of Braddock's defeat. 
3. What was "Washington's experience during the fight, and how was his 
bravery rewarded ? 4. Where was an important victory gained over the 
French ? 5. What war was going on in Europe at this time ? 6. What 
success did the French meet with in New York ? 7. Who now became the 
head of affairs in England, and how did this affect the war in America? 
8. What city bears his name ? 9. Tell of the situation of Quebec, and to 
whom its capture was intrusted. 10. Describe the ascent of the Heights 
of Abraham. 11. What resistance was made by the French, and how was 
it met by Wolfe's men? 12. Tell of the victory and of General Wolfe's 
death. 13. What was the fate of the French general and of Quebec? 

14. What now stands upon the spot where the brave commanders fell ? 

15. What did the English gain by the Treaty of Paris? 16. What were 
the results of the Colonial War? 17. What caused Pontiac's War, and 
how long did it last ? 18. Who put an end to it, and what became of the 
Indian chief Pontiac ? 19. Find on the map all places mentioned. 

AVTBORITIES.— Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. II., III., IV.; Ilildretli's History of tlie United 
States, Vol. II.; Winsor's Narrative and Critical History ofthe I'nited States, Vol III., V.; Campbell's History 
of Virginia; Cooke's History of Virginia ; Fiske's Beginnings of New England ; Marshall's and Irvine's Life of 

Washin^on; Ramsey's History of South Carolina ; Thackeray's Virginians; Roosevelt's Winning of the West. 

Fiske's History ofthe United State*. 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 91 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 



King William's War and Queen Anne's War. — War of 1689 ; Cruelties 
of the French and Indians ; New England makes resistance ; Peace of Rys- 
wick, 1697; Queen Anne s War, 1702 ; Indian atrocities ; End of the War, 
1713 ; France in the Northwest; the Central Colonies. 

Colonies Under George I. and George II. — Increase of population, 
1688-1714; Peace in George I.'s reign; Defeat of the Yemasees in South 
Carolina ; South Carolina becomes a royal province ; Advance of the colo- 
nies ; Governor Spotswood in Virginia ; Spotswood's ironworks, 1714 ; Expe- 
dition across the Blue Ridge, 1716 ; Valley of Virginia taken possession of ; 
Spotswood displaced by the council, 1722; George II., 1727; Prosperity 
in Virginia. 

Settlement of Georgia — George II. 's War. — Grant to Oglethorpe, 
1733; Settlement of Savannah; the Indians friendly ; German and Italian 
settlers ; the Scotch at Darien ; slavery and rum prohibited ; the Wesleys and 
Whitefleld ; War with the Spaniards ; effort against Savannah ; Georgia a 
royal province, 1752; George I I.'s War; Northwest sold to Virginia, 1744; 
New England captures Louisburg, 1745; steady improvement — fii'st news- 
paper; postal improvements; Benjamin Franklin — George Washington. 

Settlement of the Valley of Virginia — The French in the West 
AND North. — Valley of Virginia settled, 1733; Sailing's exploration; Ben- 
jamin Burden in Rockbridge county ; the Scotch-Irish settlers ; religious 
toleration; Germans in the Valley, 1745; George Washington, the young 
surveyor ; the French in the west and north ; France claims the Ohio ; re- 
sistance to French claims ; the Ohio Company of Virginians, 1749. 

Opening of the Colonial War. — Causes of the colonial war; Washing- 
ton caiTies a message to the French ; result of the embassy ; the fort cap- 
tured by the French ; Great Meadows, 1754 ; France and England take part 
in the war; Exile of the Acadians. 

Colonial War — Indian Wars. — Braddock's advance, 1755; Braddock's 
defeat ; Washington's bravery ; victory at Lake George ; the Seven Years' 
War; French success in New Y'ork ; English successes; attack on Quebec, 
1759; climbing the Heights of Abraham; French resistance; victory — death 
of Wolfe ; surrender of Quebec ; monument to Wolfe and Montcalm ; Treaty 
of Paris, 1763 ; important results of Colonial War ; Pontiac's War, 1763 ; 
Bouquet's victory, 1764. 



92 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



THE REVOLUTION— 1763-1786. 



CHAPTER XVn. 

CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

The Next War. — The next war which broke out in the colo- 
nies was not with the Indians nor with foreign nations. It was 
the war of the American Revolution — the great struggle for 
freedom on the part of the colonies. We must first consider 
the causes which led to it, and the condition of the Americans 
when they began it. 

Colonies Strenuous for their Rights. — From the earliest 
times the colonists, especially in Virginia and Massachusetts, 
insisted that they had the right to choose their own law-makers, 
to regulate their own affairs, to lay their own taxes, and to say 
how the money raised should be spent. These rights had been 
disregarded in England. Navigation laws hampered and op- 
pressed them, and forbade them to engage in trade except when 
it put money into English pockets. Manufactures had been re- 
stricted and prevented as much as possible. In New England 
the hated English church had been forced upon the descend- 
ants of the Puritans, and in Virginia the loyal churchmen had 
to resist stoutly the efforts of government to place over them 
clergymen who were not to their taste. 

England Wishes to Tax the Colonies. — While England was 
contimially at war in Europe, she had neither leisure nor troops 
to enforce many of her claims over the colonies. But even 
during this period, when they were steadily growing stronger, 
it was a favorite project with the royal governors and commis- 
sioners to make them jjay taxes to support the English gov- 
ernment. 

First Cause of Hostility. — This project was sure to pro- 
voke resistance whenever such taxing should be attempted. 



CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 93 

But it was not the first cause for hostility between the colonies 
and the mother country. The first difficulty arose in Virginia 
between the people and the clergy, and involved a direct resist- 
ance to the English king. 

Two-penny Act. — Tobacco was for many years the currency 
in Virginia, and the clergymen were paid their salaries in it. In 
1758 the tobacco crop failed, and there was great distress for 
want of means. A law was passed that debts should be j)aid 
in money at the rate of two-pence a pound for tobacco, which 
was its value when the salaries of the clergy were fixed. To- 
bacco had risen to sixpence a pound, but there was very little 
of it, and the people could not raise the money to pay what 
they owed at that price. The change in their salaries bore hard 
on the clergy, and some of them appealed to the crown for 
redress. King George III. thought he had the right to govern 
the colonies as he pleased, and declared that 
the "Two-penny Act" was no law at all. 
The clergy sued the vestries for the salaries 
they claimed, and the assembly stood by the 
vestries. 

Patrick Henry. — The most famous of these 
suits was brought in Hanover County, Vir- 
ginia, and argued by a then unknown young 
lawyer, who became one of the most famous 
men of his time. Patrick henry. 

The "Parson's Cause," 1763. — When this famous suit was 
brought for the salary of the Reverend James Maury, the vestry 
engaged Patrick Henry^ to defend their cause. The rector of 
the parish in Hanover was Henry's uncle, and the young law- 
yer persuaded him to go away lest his feelings might be hurt. 
The presiding justice was Patrick's own father. There was a 

1 Patrick Henry was the son of a gentlemen of small means, and a large family 
in Hanover County. He was educated mainly by his father, who taught him 
Latin, a little Greek and some mathematics. At the age of fifteen he was put into 
a store to learn how to be a merchant. Before young Henry was twenty he mar- 
ried, and tried several ways of making a living— first farming, and then store- 
keeping again. He next studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1760. 




94 BRIEF HIS'i ORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

special jury, and a great crowd assembled. Young Henry was 
awkward and much embarrassed, but as he warmed to his sub- 
ject his audience felt that he was a genuine orator. His bold 
defence of the rights of the people to make their own laws and 
lay their own taxes, and his charge of injustice against the 
king for interfering with them were even considered treason- 
able. The jury was convinced by his arguments and his elo- 
quence, and awarded the plaintiff only one penny for damages. 
Henry was greatly applauded by the crowd, and his speech and 
the decision against the king which it caused may be looked upon 
as the beginning of the revolution against English authority. 
It was a question of principle for which the Virginians were 
contending, and you will see how they resisted more and more 
any trampling on their rights. 

Writs of Assistance. — Real hardship and loss were caused 
in New England by the revival of the Navigation Laws. Trade 
was hindered, the fisheries broken up, and poverty ensued. . 
For a long time these laws hatl been eluded, but now the Eng- 
lish government ordered the courts to issue " writs of assist- 
ance " under which the revenue officers could call on any one to 
assist them in bringing offenders against the law to justice. In 
a suit against these writs in 1760, James Otis pleaded the cause 
of the people against such injustice. The court, however, pro- 
ceeded to issue the "obnoxious writs." 

Higher Taxes. — Parliament became still more arbitrary, and 
laid higher duties on many things, especially sugar and molas- 
ses. The New Englanders brought these products from the 
West Indies in exchange for fish and lumber, used as much as 
they needed, and manufactured the rest into rum, which in its 
turn they exported. 

Stamp Act, 1765. — A Stamp Act now passed by the Parlia- 
ment in England proved more irritating to the colonists than 
any other measure. This act compelled all papers necessary in 
carrying on business — bills, receipts, licenses, deeds, bonds and 
wills — to be written on stamped paper, for which a high price 
must be paid. But it was not so much the amount of the tax 



CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 95 

as the assertion of the right to tax the colonies without their 
consent, that made them oppose it. 

Stamp Act Opposed. — The principal opposition to the reve- 
nue and navigation laws began in Boston, the priacipal port in 
Massachusetts, but the Stamp Act was equally objectionable 
to all the colonies. The first declaration against it was made 
in the Virginia Assembly, where Patrick Henry, in a set of five 
resolutions, affirmed that the Virginians had always been enti- 
tled, under the royal charters, to all the rights and privileges of 
Englishmen; that the taxing of the colonists by themselves 
alone was one of the most important of these rights, and that 
any attempt to lay taxes otherwise was likely to destroy not only 
American but British freedom. Under the influence of Henry's 
fiery eloquence the resolutions were carried by a small majority.' 

Congress of Colonies, 1765. — Massachusetts called a colo- 
nial congress to consider what should be done to resist the Stamp 
Act and preserve the liberties of the colonies. The meeting 
took place in New York in October, 1765. There were no repre- 
sentatives from Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia or New Hamp- 
shire. In Virginia the governor would not permit the assembly 
to meet and elect delegates. South Carolina, influenced by the 
wise patriot, Christopher Gadsden, promptly enrolled herself on 
the side of liberty. Georgia and New Hampshire sent messages 
of sympathy, and the assembly of North Carolina expressed the 
same feeling. 

Taxation without Representation. — The congress denied 
the right of Parliament to tax them as long as they had no re- 
presentatives in that body, and sent petitions on the subject to 
the king. The four absent colonies sent similar petitions. 

Repeal of Stamp Act. — The stamp distributors were forced 
to resign or be greatly ill-treated, and the execution of the Stamp 
Act was everywhere opposed. Parliament, finding they could 

iNo report was made of this speech, but Thomas Jefferson, who heard it, declared 
it most wonderful. In its course the speaker said : " Csesar had his Brutus ; Charles 
I. his Cromwell ; and George III " — " Treason ! Treason ! " cried out his opponents. 
Henry paused, looked the Speaker of the House full in the eyes. and went on : " May 
profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it." 



96 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

not enforce it, repealed the act, but declared that the king, with 
the advice of Parliament, had a right to make what laws he 
pleased. 

Committees of Correspondence. — In 1772 a band of Khode 
Islanders boarded and burned the Gasjyee, a revenue vessel 
which ran aground in trying to catch a packet from Providence. 
The crown officers directed the governor of Rhode Island to ar- 
rest the offenders and send them to England to be tried. This 
order, although not complied with, was considered the greatest 
outrage upon American liberties, and the Virginia Assembly at 
once organized a committee to correspond with the other colo- 
nies as to the best means for preserving their liberties. The 
other colonies followed Virginia's example, and the way was 
thus prepared for the first Colonial Congress, which, on the pro- 
posal of Virginia, met the next year, 1774, in Philadelphia. 

An Important Tea-Party . — Parliament repealed all the reve- 
nue taxes except a small oi>e on tea, which was to be sent in large 
quantities to America and sold at a very low j^rice, even when 
the tax was included. But the colonists were contending for a 
principle, and determined that none of the taxed tea should be 
landed on their shores. Ships bringing out tea were either sent 
back with their cargoes or the tea was rendered unsalable. At 
Boston, when two tea-ships sailed into the harbor, they were 
boarded at night by men disguised as Indians, who threw over- 
board $90,000 worth of tea. Parliament, in revenge, declared 
that no ships should enter the port of Boston — an act of tyranny 
which kindled a blaze of indignation in all the colonies ; and 
they at once sent messages of sympathy and offered assistance 
to the ill-treated city. 

Questions. — 1. What was the next war in America? 2. For what rights 
had the colonies always been strenuous, and how had they been oppressed ? 
3. What was the favorite project of the royal governors? 4. What was the 
first cause of hostility? 5. Tell the story of the Two-penny A.ct. 6. Give 
a sketch of Patrick Henry's life up to 1760 (note). 7. What can you tell of 
the Parson's cau.se, and of Patrick Henry's defence of the vestries? 8. From 
what cause rose the first resistance in New England ? 9. Tell of the higher 



CONDITION OF THE COLONIES. ' 97 

taxes imposed by Parliament. 10. What was the Stamp Act, and when was 
it passed? 11. Tell of the opposition to it and of Patrick Henry's great 
speech in 1765. 13. Give an account of the Congress of colonies in the 
same year. 13. What stand was taken by this Congress? 14. What be^ 
came of the Stamp Act? 15. Tell the story of the Gaspee. 16. What com- 
mittees led to the first Colonial Congress in 1774? 17. What led to the 
Boston " Tea Party," and how were the colonies roused? 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

COLONIES IN 1760-1775.— SETTLEMENT OF KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. 

Condition of the Colonies. — The colonies were better able 
to undertake a struggle with the mother country than at any 
previous time. Their population had increased to nearly 
3,000,000. Of these about 500,000 were negro slaves, who were 
found in all the colonies, though much more numerous south of 
the Potomac. Virginia and South Carolina with their crops of 
tobacco and rice had more slaves than their neighbors. 

Education. — In spite of wars and other troubles the pros- 
perity of the country had increased like its population. This is 
especially shown by the diffusion of learning and literature. 
To the first three colleges, Harvard, WiUiam and Mary, and 
Yale, six others had been added. Dart- 
mouth and Brown University in New Eng- 
land ; Columbia in New York ; Princeton 
and Rutgers in New Jersey, and the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania. Smaller schools, 
afterwards to become important, were also 
established in many places. 

Newspapers. — In 1776 there were thirty- 
seven newspapers. Twenty years earlier 
there had only been nine. These papers "^^^J^^^n feanklin. 
did much to foster the growing spirit of independence, and 
prepare the way for unity of action among the people. Dr. 
Franklin as postmaster-general of the colonies had greatly im- 
7 




98 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

proved the postal service. He had also increased the comfort 
of the world by inventing the Franklin stove, and had discovered 
that lightning and electricity were the same. 

Social Conditions. — There was little change in the social 
condition of the people except that they were growing more 
alike in thought and feeling. Rich folk were building fine 
houses with great halls and galleries like those of their English 
ancestors. In the North these were generally in or near 
the towns, while the Southern planters preferred life in the 
country amidst their broad acres and their slaves. The Hugue- 
nots of South Carolina built chateaux like those of France, 
some of which were still standing a few years ago. All these 
fine houses were furnished with European luxury. English 
coaches were found in their stables. French satins and velvets 
and English laces and jewels furnished their wardrobes, and 
their sideboards disj)layed fine stores of china, glass aud plate. 
In the South, the estates were like small kingdoms. The negroes 
were trained as carpenters, blacksmiths, and wagon-makers. 
They spun and wove, were shoemakers and tailors, and ran saw 
and grist-mills for their masters, besides cultivating the crops. 
Everything necessary on the plantation was made within its 
gates, except the luxuries of the " great house," 

Life among tlie Middle Classes. — The middle classes also 
lived in great comfort in their strongly-built log or stone houses, 
ftirnished with home-made chairs and tables, with wooden or 
pewter plates and dishes, and wore garments spun, woven and 
made up by the women of the household. When the time of 
trial came the wealthy men and women with their silk attire and 
luxurious surroundings signed the non-importation agreements, 
by which they pledged themselves to use nothing brought from 
England, as promptly as the poorest and most hard-working of 
their neighbors. 

Non-Importation Agreements. — These agreements forbade 
the bringing in not only of wine, tea, silks, laces, china, plate 
and other articles of luxury, but laid especial stress on the non- 
importation of more negro slaves. 



SETTLEMENT OP KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. 99 

Opposition to Slavery. — South Carolina and Virginia, which 
held more slaves than the other colonies, were the first among 
them to oppose slavery in earnest. In 1760 the South Carolina 
Assembly restricted the bringing in of more slaves. The next 
year the Virginia Assembly laid such a heavy duty on each slave 
brought into the colony that their importation would be practi- 
cally prevented. England immediately vetoed this law, and in- 
structed the colonial governors not to permit any restrictions of 
the slave-trade, which was considered and spoken of by the Eng- 
lish government as "a traffic beneficial to the nation." 

Settlements in Tennessee. — Open Indian warfare ceased at 
the close of Pontiac's war, and a steady stream of immigration 
set in from Pennsylvania to the valleys west of the Alleghany 
Mountains in Virginia and farther south. A mixed race, sprung 
from ancestors of Scotch-Irish, German, Huguenot and English 
blood, the fearless, independent "backwoodsmen" of the west- 
ern frontiers, now took possession of the country between the 
mountains and the Mississippi River, where they met the In- 
dians with equal cunning and fortitude, and almost with as 
much cruelty. 

Counties of Botetourt and Fincastle.— This immigration 
moved southwest down the Valley of Virginia, and that region 
and all the territory towards the west claimed by Virginia was set 
off into the counties of Botetourt and Fin- 
castle. Kentucky was an unknown wilder- 
ness, penetrated only by some stray hun- 
ter or trader. 

Daniel Boone in Kentucky, 1769. — 
In 1769 Daniel Boone crossed the moun- 
tains into Kentucky with a small party, 
and hunted for six months without moles- 
tation. Then the Indians attacked and 
killed most of the white men. Boone and daniel boone. 

another hunter were captured, but made their escape. One of 
Boone's brothers and another hunter came from North Carolina 
to join them. The two other men were killed by Indians, but the 




100 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

two Boones spent the winter in the wilderness, hundreds of miles 
away from any white man. There were no Indians settled in 
Kentucky, but each one who came to the hunting gi-ound was a 
treacherous foe to the whites. 

Kentucky Settled, 1771. — After remaining two years in 
the wilderness Daniel Boone returned to the Yadkin, and moved 
his own family and several others to Kentucky. There he built 
a stockade fort, and established a settlement at Boonesborough. 

Watauga Settlement, Tennessee, 1769. — Settlements were 
also made along the headwaters of the Clinch and Holston riv- 
ers, and at the time that Boone went to Kentucky a whole 
community from central North Carolina, wishing to escape op- 
pression, moved across the mountains and settled in the Wa- 
tauga and NoUichucky Valleys, in the State of Tennessee. Their 
distance from other settlements compelled them to form some 
plan of government, which they did under the influence of James 
Robertson and John Sevier, both Virginians, and both under 
thirty years of age. ^ 

Questions. — 1. What was the condition of the colonies between 1760 and 
and 1775 ? 2. What advance had been made in education ? 3. Tell of the 
newspapers at this time. 4. What was Dr. Franklin's position , and what 
impoi"tant invention and discovery had he made? 5. Describe the social 
condition and mode of life of the rich at the North and at the South. 
6. What was the mode of life among the middle classes ? 7. What were 
the non-importation acts? 8. What efforts were made to restrict the slave- 
trade, and how were they met by England? 9. Tell of the settlements in 
Tennessee, and by whom they were made? 10. Where were the counties 
of Botetourt and Fincastle, and what is that region now? 11. Tell the 
story of Daniel Boone. 12. When and in what way was Kentucky settled ? 
13. Where was th(! Watauga settlement, and how was it governed? 14. Find 
on the map all the places mentioned. 

1 Robertson was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, In 1742. He had no early 
education, and was taught to read and write by liis wife, but he was a born leader 
of men , possessing a masterful character and fine intellect. John Sevier was born 
in Rockingham county, was of Huguenot ancestry, well educated, accomplished, 
and very handsome. These two drew up the first written constitution in America, 
and established an organized government, which regulated the Watauga settle- 
ment for six years, when it became a part of Washington county, which then 
formed the western part of Nortli Carolina. 



FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 



101 



CHAPTER XIX. 



FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS— INDIAN WAR IN VIRGINIA. 

Conyentions in Yirginia, 1769 and 1774. — The first Re- 
volutionary conventio n in Virginia made the non-importation 
agr e ement in 
1769. ^Tienthe 
assembly or leg- 
islature of Vir- 
ginia of 1774 ex- 
pressed sym- 
pathy with Bos- 
ton after her 
port was closed, 
Lord Dunmore, 
the governor, 
dismissed it. 
The members re- 
paired to the Ra- 
leigh Tavern, 
condemned the 
action of the 
English govern- 
ment, and ad- 
vised that a con- 
vention should 
meet at Williams- 
burg on August 
first , whi ch 
should elect del- 
e g a t e s to the 
" General Con- "^^^ thietkbn original states. 

gress " of the colonies to be convened during the same year. 

First Continental Congress, 1774.— This Congress met ia 




102 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Philadelphia in September, 1774. Every colony except Georgia 
was represented. Peyton Kandolph, of Virginia, was chosen 
president, and Charles Thompson, of Pennsylvania, secretary. 
Its deliberations were made with closed doors, and only their 
results were published. It first defined its own character by 
voting itself a congress of separate and distinct political bodies ; 
and then determined that each colony must be considered equal 
and have an equal vote. The members were not ready for inde- 
pendence, and hoped to persuade the king to redress their 
grievances. They, therefore, sent a petition to the king, and 
also said very plainly what they considered to be the rights of 
the colonies. 

"The Minute Men." — The Americans were especially op- 
posed to having English troops quartered upon them. General 
Gage was in Boston with two British regiments. He was made 
governor of Massachusetts, called the General Court of the colony 
together and then forbade its members to assemble. They met, 
nevertheless, declared themselves the congress of the province, 
made John Hancock their president, and chose committees of 
safety and of supplies. They also voted that 12,000 troops 
should be raised, and that one-fourth of the militia should be 
enlisted as "Minute Men," who should be ready to march or 
fight at a minute's notice. 

Indian War in yira:inia, 1774. — In the midst of the agi- 
tation and anxiety of the whole country a bloody war occurred 
in Virginia. The Indians north of the Ohio, the Shawnees, 
Mingoes and remnants of other tribes were filled with jealousy 
of the white men who were gradually taking possession of 
their hunting grounds and hiding places. More than all 
others they dreaded the Virginia pioneers — the "Long 
Knives."^ 

Armies for Defence. — An increase of Indian outrage in the 
spring of 1774 caused the frontiersmen to assemble in self-de- 

1 Cornstalk, the Shawnee, and Logan, chief of the Mingoes, were the leaders 
among the Indians. Cresap and Greathouse were the twowhlte men who most re« 
sembled the Indians in canning, skill and deadly cruelty. 



INDIAN WAR IN VIRGINIA. 103 

fence. Various small encounters took place with savage wrongs 
on both sides. The whites killed and scalped friendly as well 
as hostile Indians. Greathouse and his band made Logan's 
whole family drunk and then murdered them. The fierce strife 
which followed was so serious that Lord Dunmore ordered 
3,000 men to assemble to defend the frontier. Half of these 
were commanded by General Andrew Lewis, the other half by 
Dunmore himself. Both armies were to meet at the mouth of 
the Great Kanawha River. Lewis's force from the west and 
southwest counties of Virginia — Augusta, Botetourt and Fin- 
castle — jDromptly obeyed the summons to come to defend their 
brethren. It was purely an American army, clad in hunting shirts 
of deerskin or homespun, and armed with clumsy rifles and mus- 
kets. 

Battle of the (Jreat Kanawha. — Lewis, with some 1,100 
men, encamped near the mouth of the Kanawha, and Cornstalk 
determined to attack and overpower the " Long Knives " in their 
sleep. On the night of October 9th, 1,000 Indian warriors were 
noiselessly ferried over the Ohio River, but were perceived by some 
hunters who at once gave the alarm to Lewis and his men. The 
whites seized their arms, sheltered themselves behind trees and 
rocks, and carried on a stubborn and bloody fight until after- 
noon. Colonels Lewis and Field were killed. Colonel Fleming 
wounded, and fourteen other of the officers were either killed or 
disabled. The men continued a hand-to-hand contest with the 
savages, who, after nightfall, retreated across the Ohio, leaving 
their dead in the enemy's hands. 

Result of the Battle. — This was the fiercest and most per- 
sistent battle ever fought between the border men and the In- 
dians. It completely broke the spirit of the savages, and induced 
them to make peace, which made the settlement of Kentucky 
practicable within a few years. Dunmore's force did nothing in 
the war, but his officers, dissatisfied with their inaction, united 
with those of Lewis in declaring their sympathy with the Con- 
tinental Congress, and with all efforts to preserve the liberties 
of the colonies. 



104 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

George Rogers Clarke. — Among the men engaged in this 
campaign who did gallant service for their country within the 
next ten years was George Rogers Clarke. He was a young 
Virginian from Albemarle county, of good family, was well edu- 
cated, a skillful hunter, and fond of a roving, adventurous life. 
He had been employed as a surveyor along the Ohio, where he 
took part in different contests with the Indians. 

Questions. — 1. When did the first Revolutionary Convention meet in 
Virginia, and what did it do? 2. The second Revolutionary Convention? 
3. Whon and where did the first Continental Congress meet? 4. Who were 
some of its officers? 5. What did it do? 6. Tell of General Gage, John 
Hancock and the "Minute Men." 7. What fresh trouble now arose in 
Virginia ? 8. Who were the two famous Indian leaders, and what two 
white men most resembled them ? 9. Where did the first fighting take 
place, and with what results? 10. What army was raised ? 11. By whom 
was it commanded ? 12. AVhere were the divisions to meet? 13. Describe 
the battle of the Great Kanawha. 14. What were its effects upon the sav- 
ages and upon emigration ? 15. What did Lord Dunmore's oflQcers do? 
16. Who was George Rogers Clarke ? 



CHAPTER XX. 

OPENING OF THE REVOLUTION. 

Seeond Virginia Convention. — Notwithstanding the efforts 
for conciliation made by Lord Chatham, formerly known as Wil- 
liam Pitt, early in 1775, the British Parliament still farther re- 
stricted American liberties. The second Virginia convention 
met in St. John's Church, Richmond. The members differed in 
their views, Patrick Henry proposed that measures should be 
taken to raise and equip soldiers for the defence of the colony, 
but the more conservative members did not think the time had 
come for such a revolutionary measure. Henry then made a 
grand speech in which he uttered the eloquent words: ''We 
must fight ; an appeal to arms and to the God of battles is all 
that is left us," and concluded with the thrilling declaration, 



OPENING OP THE REVOLUTION. 



105 




ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 



" I know not what course others may take, but as for me give me 
liberty or give me death. " Henry's resolutions were adopted and 
the enlisting of soldiers and 
preparation of arms went on 
throughout the colony. 

Removal of the Powder. 
Dunmore, in the meantime, 
forbade that delegates should 
be sent to the congress which 
was to assemble in May. He 
also carried off the powder 
from the magazine in Wil- 
liamsburg to one of the Bri- 
tish ships in the river, and 
thus strove to crij)ple the de- 
fence of the colony as Berkeley had done one hundred years 
before. This high-handed act excited great indignation, and 
the Virginians everywhere volunteered to march to Williams- 
burg and compel the restoration of the powder. A troop from 
Hanover County, led by Patrick Henry, forced Dunmore to pay 
the value of the missing powder. 

Battle of Lexington, 1775. — The opening fight of the Rev- 
olution occurred in Massachusetts. General Gage had 3,000 
British troops in Boston. He determined to destroy a supply 
of ammunition stored by the colonists at Concord, sixteen miles 
away. On the night of April 18th, 800 British soldiers marched 
for Concord. Dr. Warren, one of the committee of safety, sent 
men to alarm the country. Signals of danger were also given 
by a lantern hung in a church tower. These warnings were 
heeded, and at Lexington the British found seventy "minute 
men " assembled. Major Pitcairn, a British officer, rode forward 
and asked what they meant. "We are going to Concord," was 
the reply. "Disperse, ye rebels!" shouted Pitcairn, firing his 
pistol and calling on his men to fire. Seven "minute men" 
were killed and nine wounded. The British continued on to 
Concord and destroyed such stores as had not been removed. 



106 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



By this time a number of "minute men" had assembled who 
kept up a continual attack on the British as they returned to 
Boston. Two hundred and seventy-three English soldiers 
were killed and eighty-nine of the Americans. 

Israel Putnam and John Stark. — Tidings of this fight ran 
like lightning through the colonies. Men made ready to meet 
the war which had come. In Connecticut, Israel Putnam, leav- 
ing his plow in the furrow, rode oflf on one of the plow-horses 
to join the army before Boston. In New Hampshire, John 
Stark, already trained in the French and Indian wars, left his 
home in ten minutes after hearing of the fight, and rode to Bos- 
ton, encouraging the men along his road to bestir themselves in 
defence of liberty. 

The Country Rises Everywhere. — The eagerness for resist- 
ance was universal. The men of Charleston, South Carolina, 
seized the royal arsenal and distributed twelve hundred stand of 
arms the night after hearing of Lexington. The assembly of 
the colony ordered two regiments of infantry and one of rangers 
to be raised, and issued $100,000 in support of the war. Georgia, 
also, took possession of the king's magazine in Savannah, where 
they found a valuable supply of powder. 

Capture of Ticonderoga. — Ethan Allen, of Vermont, at the 
head of a small force of New England volunteers, surprised 
Fort Ticonderoga in New 
York. "WTien the commander 
of the fort was aroused from 
sleep by Allen's summons of 
surrender, he naturally asked: 
"By what authority?" "In 
the name of the Great Jeho- 
vah and the Continental Con- 
gress," was Allen's reply. 
The fort, with its garrison of fifty men and nearly two hundred 
cannon and many military stores, was surrendered. Crown 
Point and Fort George soon fell into the hands of the 
Americans. 




KUINS OF TICONDEROGA. 



OPENING OP THE REVOLUTION. 



107 



Second Continental Congress, 1775. — The second Conti- 
nental Congress met in Philadelphia on May 10th, the day of 
the capture of Ticonderoga. John Hancock, of Massachusetts, 
was made president. Congress, not yet jorepared for open revolt, 
sent another petition to King George, which he refused to receive. 
Addresses were issued to the people of Great Britain, of Ireland, 
and of New England, in the name of the twelve united colonies, the 
representatives from Georgia not having arrived at the time. 

Scruples of Congress Overcome. — When the news of the 
battle of Lexington reached England violent proceedings against 
the colonies were at once determined on. The colonists were 
declared "rebels," and steps 
were taken to arouse and arm 




WASHINGTON TAKING COMMAND OF THE ARMY. 

the Indians and negroes against the whites. These extreme mea- 
sures convinced the most irresolute among the congressmen that 
their only hope lay in prompt resistance. 

" The United Colonies." — Events in New England, also, put 
an end to hesitation. There were now about 10,000 British 
troops in Boston, under Gage. On June 12th a proclamation 
declared Massachusetts under martial law, and offered pardon 
to all who would lay down their arms, except Samuel Adams 



108 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and John Hancock. This proclamation decided the action of 
Congress. A Federal Union was at once formed under the name 
of the "United Colonies." The army already assembled was 
adopted, and called the "Continental Army," and $30,000 wer=>. 
borrowed to purchase powder. It was determined to issue 
$3,000,000 of paper money and to raise an army of 20,000 men. 
The patriot forces of New York were chai-ged with the duty of 
keeping the way open between New England and Philadelphia. 

Washington Commander-in-Cliiet. — The election of a com- 
mander-in-chief was also decided on. Several of the leaders, and 
John Hancock especially, desired the position, but George Wash- 
ington was chosen as the most experienced and fittest person 
for it. Four major-generals, (Ward, Charles Lee,* Philip Schuy- 
ler and Israel Putnam) and eight brigadier-generals (Pomeroy, 
Montgomery, Wooster, Heath, Spencer, Thomas, Sullivan and 
Greene) were chosen. 

Appearance and Cliaracter ot Washington. — Washington 
was in the prime of life, forty-three years old, tall and stately, 
r^^^ ■ -^r--"' ,\; ^■^'"^^'"'oaCf^ "^^" ~~"1 noble in bearing and always dig- 
il^^fea^^^ta^^^^^^ nified. All who saw him admired 

^^ S^^ ^^Bmi^^ his manly presence, soldierly look, 

.,^^M|I B^^^^ ^||pj^'^|jfiij;r;jjK! and the fine aj^pearance he made, 
iz.;^:i^^^ ^^^-'-~;:^:-::r^^'^ ' '^ cspccially on horseback. The 
WASHINGTON'S BiETiin I commissiou bestowed on June 

20th laid on him as heavy a reponsibility as any one man has 
ever borne. You will see how nobly he sustained it, and what 
his country owes to his courage, fidelity and patriotism. 

Questions. — 1. When and wheje was the .second Virginia Convention 
held? 2. Tell of Patrick lleniy's great speech and its result. 3. Why did 
Governor Dunmore cany off the powder, and how was his action met? 
4. Tell the story of the battle of Lexington. 5. Who were Israel Putnam 
and Joliii Stark ? 6. What effect had the battle of Lexington upon the other 
colonies? 7. How was Fort Ticonderoga captured, and by whom? 8. What 

1 Charles Lee was an English oflieer, who, after fighting in various wars, had re- 
signed and settled in Virginia. Horatio Gates, another British soldier of ability, 
who liad also beconio a Virginia planter, was, by Washington's influence, made 
adjutant-general of the Continental Army. 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 



109 



other forts were also taken ? 9. When and where did the second Continental 
Congress assemble? 10. Why were only twelve colonies represented? 

11. AVhat was England's course when hearing of the uprising in America? 

12. What proclamation was made in Boston ? 13. What course of action 
was immediately decided upon by Congress ? 14. Who was chosen com- 
mander-in-chief of the army? 15. What general officers were appointed ? 
16. Describe Washington's appearance and character. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



PROGRESS OF EVENTS IN NEW ENGLAND— INVASION OF CANADA. 

Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775. — While Congress was call- 
ing a nation into being the first battle of the Revolution 
was fought before Boston. 
About 15,000 poorly armed 
and equipped men from New 
England had collected 
around that city. The Bri- 
tish army in Boston had for- 
tified Boston Neck. The 
Americans extended from 
Charleston towards the south 
outside the city. A rumor 
reached them that General 
Gage was about to fortify 
Dorchester Heights, and the 
Americans determined to intrench themselves on Bunker Hill. 

Intrenchment of Breed's Hill. — On the night of June 16th 
1,200 men, under Colonel Prescott, marched to Charlestown, 
carrying intrenching tools. On Copp's Hill, just across the 
mouth of Charles River, was a British battery, so that the ut- 
most caution and silence were necessary. Finding that Breed's 
Hill, though lower than Bunker's, was nearer Boston, it was de- 
cided to make the intrenchment there. Colonel Gridley marked 
out the lines. The men began digging about midnight and 




BTTNKER BILL. 



110 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

worked so fast that by dawn they had thrown up a fort and 
an embankment six feet high on the crest and down the side of 
the hill. A British vessel, the Lively, opened fire on them, but 
they worked on, while, to encourage his men, Prescott walked 
around the top of the embankment. 

British Prepare to Attack. — There was no American force 
on Charlestown Neck, and Generals Howe and Piggot landed 
2,000 British troops there by noon. Howe saw some New Hamp- 
shire troops marching up in the distance, so he halted and sent 
to Gage for reinforcements, while the men already landed were 
given food and beer. Stark and his men reached Breed's Hill 
during this delay and threw up a novel breastwork by planting 
one fence a little way behind another, and filling the space 
between with hay. 

Repulse of the British. — When the British advanced against 
the intrenchments the Americans were ordered not to fire until 
they could "see the whites of their eyes." The volley then 
poured with deliberate aim into the assaulting column caused it 
to fall back in confusion. A second charge was repulsed still 
more vigorously. Howe's attack upon the breastwork of the 
fences was also driven back by a murderous fire at thirty paces. 

Americans Obliged to Retreat. — Howe made a third attack, 
this time against the hill. The Americans had no more powder. 
Further resistance was impossible, and Prescott ordered them to 
retreat. ' British and Americans in a confused mass surged down 
the hill. The Americans passed over some unfinished works 
on Bunker Hill and down behind it, the men at the fence main- 
taining their ground until Prescott's force was in safety, when 
they, too, slowly withdrew. During this retreat General War- 
ren, who had volunteered as a private, was shot through the 
breast. The English intrenched themselves on Bunker Hill, 
and no effort was made to renew the fijzht. 

Opinions of the Battle. — The British felt humiliated, be- 
cause, with a loss of 1,054 men, they had only succeeded in 
driving the despised colonial force from their feeble defences. 
The Americans lost 450, but were mortified at what they consid,- 



INVASION OF CANADA. Ill 

ered a defeat. Their gallant fighting aroused much enthusiasm 
throughout the colonies. When Washington, who was on his 
way to Boston, met the courier carrying .tidings of the battle to 
Congress, and heard how bravely the militia had behaved, he ex- 
claimed: "The liberties of our country are safe." 

Washington Takes Command of the Army. — Washington 
took command of the army at Cambridge on July 2d. He was 
received with great joy, and a salute was fired, although the 
army had a very small supply of powder. 

The Continental Line. — The first work of the commander- 
in-chief was to reduce the undisciplined force at Cambridge 
into an efficient army. To curb the independent spirit of the 
voliinteers, the men were enlisted for the war or some definite 
time into what was called "The Continental Line." 

Troops from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Tirginia. — The 
ranks of the army were filled by troops from other colonies. 
Fourteen hundred riflemen came from 
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia^ 
Washington knew what a valuable assist- 
ance these hardy hunters and fighters 
would prove. This increase of soldiers did 
not, however, increase the American sup- 
ply of ammunition. Two thousand of the 
men were without muskets, and Washington 
could make no attack on the British lines 
because his men had no powder. daniel morgan. 

Efforts to Seize Canada, 1775. — To weaken the British 
power, considerable efforts were made to take possession of 
Canada. The Canadians were not in favor of the project, and 
it came to nothing. Montreal fell for a time into the hands of 
the colonies. Washington thought that the capture of Quebec 
would accomplish his object, and sent Benedict Arnold with 
1,100 men by way of the Kennebec River to approach Quebec on 

iWhen Daniel Morgan, with his ninety-six mounted riflemen, who had come six 
hundred miles from the Shenandoah Valley, following Morgan's brief order— " A 
bee line for Boston " — rode into camp, Washington is said to have welcomed them 
with glistening eyes. 




112 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the east and co-operate with another force, under Montgomery, 
from the west. 

Attack on (Quebec. — Arnold's force reached Quebec after 
great hardship and danger. The men from the western side 
refused to advance, and Montgomery could only bring a small 
number to Arnold's assistance. On the last day of the year a 
disastrous assault was made on the citadel. Montgomery was 
slain, Arnold severely wounded, and 400 of the attacking force 
were either killed or captured. Morgan was among the pri- 
soners. The Colonial army, from which much had been ex- 
pected, returned home in 'the spring, having accomphshed 
nothing. 

First Colonial Flag, 1776.— The first flag of the United 
Colonies, thirteen stripes added to the British union or blue 
square, was hoisted over the American camp at Cambridge on 
the 1st of January, 1776. 

British Driven from Boston. — At last Washington secured 
powder enough for his long-desired attack on Boston, and occu- 
pied Dorchester Heights on the night of March 4th. By the 
next morning a formidable-looking fortress commanded the 
whole British encampment and fleet. When the British com- 
mander saw it he exclaimed, " These rebels have done more work 
in one night than my whole army would have done in a month." 
The British could no longer maintain themselves in Boston, and 
on the 17 th of March Howe, who had succeeded Gage, and his 
11,000 men, sailed away to Halifax, where he remained about 
three months. The Americans occupied the city the next day. 

Washington's Army Goes to New York. — Boston no longer 
needed the army. Sir Guy Carleton was preparing to descend 
upon the Hudson Valley from Canada, and General Howe to 
take possession of New York. General Washington, therefore, 
took his army to defend that city. 

Questions. — 1. AVhat troops were assembled around Boston in 1775? 
2. Tell of the intrenchment of Breed's Hill. 3. Who commanded the 
Americans and who the British troops? 4. What preparations for the 
attack were made by the British ? 5. Describe the assault and its repulse 



BEVOLUTION IN THE SOUTHERN COLONIES. 113 

by the Americans. 6. Why were the Americans obliged to withdraw? 
7. What brave officer was killed during the retreat ? 8. What opinions of 
the battle were entertained by both sides ? 9. When and where did Wash- 
ington take command of the army ? 10. What was the Continental line ? 

11. What troops came from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia? 

12. What was the condition of the army ? 13. Tell of Daniel Morgan and 
his marching order (note) ? 14. What expedition was sent to the north? 
15. Why was it sent ? 16. Tell of the attack on Quebec and its result. 
17. What was the first Colonial flag ? 18. When and where was it hoisted ? 
19. How were the British driven from Boston? 20. Where did Washing- 
ton take his army, and why ? 21. Look carefully on the map for all the 
places mentioned. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

REVOLUTION IN THE SOUTHERN COLONIES— DECLARATION OF 

INDEPENDENCE. 

Dunmore Deposed by the Tirginia Assembly. — Lord Dun- 
more convened the Virginia Burgesses on the 1st of June. He 
then took ofifence with them and moved himself and family to 
the Fowey man-of-war, twelve miles off in the river. The assem- 
bly, therefore, declared that by refusing to return to his post 
he had abdicated his position as governor, and that the president 
of the council was the head of the colony. 

Convention of 1775. — The assembly then adjourned, and 
met again in Richmond on July 17th, as the Convention of 1775. 
This convention ordered two regiments of regulars to be en- 
listed for a year, and two companies to defend the west- 
ern border. It divided the colony into sixteen districts, and 
directed the militia to be exercised as minute men. A commit- 
tee of safety consisting of eleven members with Edmund Pen- 
dleton at their head, was organized to take charge of the affairs 
of the colony. Laws were passed to raise money, to procure 
arms and supplies of saltpetre, lead and sulphur, and to encour- 
age the manufacture of gunpowder. 



114 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Dunmore Declares War on Virginia. — Patrick Henry was 
made colonel of the First Regiment, and Colonel Woodford 
of the Second. A camp was established on the Williamsburg 
green. Dunmore carried on a predatory war along the coasts 
with his armed vessels, and on November 7th proclaimed mar- 
tial law. He ordered the citizens who did not join his stan- 
dard to be i^roclaimed traitors, and offered freedom to all slaves 
who would rise against their masters. He also ordered the In- 
dians to be stirred up against the colonies, and a regiment of 
backwoodsmen to be enlisted against the patriots. A British 
ship ran aground near Hampton, and was burned by the citi- 
zens of the town, and their resistance to an attacking force was 
the first real contention in the colony. 

Battle of Great Bridge. — Dunmore had gone to the south- 
eastern part of the colony where there was a number of Tories. 
General Woodford was ordered to go after him with 800 men. 
Dunmore had intrenched himself at the Great Bridge, over 
the Elizabeth River, about twenty miles from Norfolk. Wood- 
ford could not attack Dunmore for want of cannon, but also 
intrenched himself. His slight defences were attacked by the 
British grenadiers. The Americans did not fire until their foes 
were close upon them, and then took such deadly aim that after 
a second assault every grenadier was killed, while Woodford did 
not lose a single man. The British retreated in the night, and 
Dunmore took refuge on shipboard. 

The Mecklenburg Declaration, 1775. — North Carolina 
showed herself fully in sympathy with the other colonies, and 
equally determined to resist British oppression. May 20, 1775, 
the people of Mecklenburg county passed bold resolutions assert- 
ing their right and intention to govern themselves. The patriots 
defeated all efforts to raise troops for British aid, and sent 600 
North Carolina troops under Colonel Howe to Woodford's assist- 
ance against Dunmore. The provincial troops took possession 
of Norfolk, and on January 1, 1776, the town was shelled 
and burned by the British. Dunmore was finally driven from 
Virginia. 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 



115 



What South Carolina and Georgia Did.— South Carolina 
was as determined as Massachusetts and Virginia to defend her 
own rights and to help the other colonies. She raised troops for 
defence, and appointed a committee of safety, with Henry Lau- 
rens for president. They took possession of the defences of 




COI,. POI.K READING THE MECKLENBURG DECLARATION. 



Charleston and strengthened them to resist attack from the 
British ships. Georgia took a similar stand. Two war-vessels 
with troops on board came to Tybee, and, though there were 
neither ships nor men to oppose them, the committee of safety 
arrested the governor, and so prevented outrages like those of 
Dunmore in Virginia. 

Acts of Congress. — The knowledge that King George had 
hired foreign soldiers to fight against the colonies ; that he had 
ordered his ships to bum the towns along the coast, and that 
he would use any means to crush, them, forced Congress to act 
with decision. Efforts were made to provide a navy for the 
colonies, and "letters of marque,"' or permission to any ship to 



116 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

arm itself and fight against the English shii-)s, were issued. The 
colonies were advised to set up governments for themselves, and 
the country from Maine to Georgia was divided into military 
districts to be defended by the Continental Army. 

South Carolina Declares Herself Independent, 1776. — 
The first steps of avowed independence were taken in the South. 
On the 24:th of March, 1776, South Carolina organized an inde- 
pendent government with its legislature, its courts, and its army. 
John Rutledge was president, Henry Laurens, vice-president, 
and William Henry Drayton, chief-justice. Christopher Gads- 
den left Congress to command the little army. This colony was 
thus the first to proclaim herself an independent State. 

North Carolina Goes Farther. — In a few weeks North Caro- 
lina went even farther, and authorized her delegates to join the 
other delegates in declaring themselves independent, and in 
forming foreign alliances. 

Bold Stand of Tirginia. — But it was Virginia, the oldest 
and most English of the colonies, which urged upon Congress 
the necessity for independence. Her arguments convinced the 
reluctant, and confii'med the wavering, and her sons presented 
to Congress the Declaration of Independence which gave to the 
world the confederation of the States of America. 

Tirginia Convention of 1776. — This convention met in Wil- 
liamsburg on the 6th of May. Edmund Pendleton was again 
chosen president. The necessity and importance of declaring 
the colonies independent at once engaged the attention of the 
body. In a few days resolutions were pas- 
sed instructing the Virginia delegates to pro- 
pose that Congress should ''declare the 
United Colonies free and independent 
States." A committee was appointed to pre- 
pare a "Bill of Eights," and a plan for the 
government of the colony. 
T^' ' Vv) ■"■■^ Congress Appoints a Committee to Pre- 

RicHAED HBNBY LEE. pjjj.g rj Declaratiou of Independence. — 
Obeying the instructions of Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, on 





DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 117 

the 7th of June, offered a resolution in Congress, which was 
seconded by John Adams, that they should separate at once 
and entirely from Great Britain. After long debate a com- 
mittee was appointed to draw up a suitable declaration of inde- 
pendence. Mr. Lee had been compelled to 
return to Virginia, and Thomas Jefferson' 
was made chairman of the committee. The 
other members were John Adams, of Mas- 
sachusetts; Benjamin Franklin, of Penn- 
sylvania ; Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, 
and Robert Livingston, of New York. 

Virginia Bill of Rights and Constitu- 
tion. — Before Congress accepted the Decla- 
ration of Independence the convention of thomas jeffeesox. 
Virginia had unanimously adopted the Bill of Rights and the 
Constitution of Virginia, drawn up by George Mason, and Pat- 
rick Henry was elected first governor of the Commonwealth of 
Virginia. Two southern colonies thus declared themselves free 
and independent States before Congress took such a stand for 
the United Colonies. The Declaration of Independence was 
adopted on July 4, 1776, in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, 
and was signed by the delegates from all the thirteen colonies. 

Questions. — 1. "Why was Lord Dtmmore deposed by the Virginia assembly 
in 1775 ? 2. What regulations were made by the convention of 1775 ? 
3. What preparations for war were made by Virginia, and what did Lord 
Dunmore do? 4. Describe the battle of Great Bridge. 5. What action 
was taken by North Carolina? 6. What became of Lord Dmimore? 
7. What stand was taken by South Carolina and Georgia ? 8. What mea- 
sures were now taken by Congress, and why ? 9. Tell of South Carolina's 
new Constitution and its officers. 10. What further stand did North Caro- 

1 Thomas Jefferson, who prepared the Declaration of Independence, was from 
Albemarle county, Virginia, of English descent, and considerable fortune. After 
good schooling, he graduated at William and Mary College. He then studied law 
and began to practice at the age of twenty-four. An earnest student of nature 
and of books, and possessing a brilliant and logical mind, he became noted as a 
forcible thinker and writer. His feeble voice shut him off from oratory, but at the 
ago of thirty-three he had become a leading statesman and patriot. No man of 
that eventful time exerted a more powerful influence on the history of the coun- 
try. 



118 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Una make? 11. In what way did Virginia show herself the boldest of all 
the colonies ? 12. What was done iu the Virginia convention of 1776 ? 
13. Under what circumstances did Congress appoint a committee to draw 
up a Declaration of Independence? 14. Give a sketch of Thomas Jeffer- 
son (note). 15. Which was the first and which the second colony to be- 
come a State ? 16. When and where was the Declaration of Independence 
signed ? 



CHAPTEK XXIII. 




DEFENCE OF CHARLESTON— BATTLES AROUND NEW YORK. 

Defence of Charleston, 1776. — The English fleet expected 
in New York went instead to South Carolina. Great efforts 

were made to put Charleston in a state 
of defence. Two regiments came from 
North Carolina and one from Virginia 
to assist in repelling the attack. 
Charleston harbor is shut in by sand- 
bars and islands. On Sullivan's Is- 
land, there was an unfinished fort ot 
palmetto logs and sand-bags. 

Attack by the British, 1776.— 
MAP OF CHARLESTON. On JuDe 27th the British shij^s open- 

ed a fierce cannonade on the fort, but the balls buried them- 
selves in the spongy palmetto and did little damage. The 
vessels, on the other hand, suffered much from the American 
guns, and several of them which ran aground had to be aban- 
doned. The British captains, therefore, weighed anchor and 
sailed away northward. The little fort was called Moultrie 
after its gallant commander. ^ 

1 While the battle was fiercest the American flag was shot down and fell outside 
of the fort. Sergeant Jasper sprung outside, seized the flag, and. In spite of the 
hot fire from the enemy, carried it back to the fort, bound it on a new staff, and 
planted It again on the rampart. For his gallaat conduct he received the thanks 
of Governor Rutledge. He afterwards declined a lieutenant's commission, which 
was offered him for this daring deed. 



BATTLES AROUND NEW YORK. 



119 



Results of the Tictory. — By the successful resistance at 
Charleston, the Carolinas and Georgia were freed from attack 
for nearly two years. 

The Forces Around New York. — Clinton sailed from 
Charleston to New York. Anticipating an attack there, Gen- 
eral "Washington had sent General Chaiies 
Lee to fortify that city. Strong works were 
thrown up on Brooklyn Heights and other 
defences prepared, extending nearly twenty 
miles. To hold these, Washington had only 
10,600 men for duty out of a nominal roll of 
26,000. On Staten Island, at the mouth of 
the harbor, were 31,600 finely-equipped men, 
Under command of General William Howe. 




BUTLEDGE. 



Six thousand of these were Hessian troops hired by King 

George, and 21,400 of them were equal to any soldiers in the 

world. 
Battle of Long Island or Flathush. — General Howe, on 

August 23d, advanced against Brooklyn Heights with 20,000 

men and forty cannon. 
There were only 8,000 men, 
mostly raw militia to oppose 
them. Led by Tories on 
Long Island, Howe sur- 
rounded General Sullivan's 
command. A number of 
them were killed, and 1,000 
captured with their general. 
Howe then prepared to be- 
siege the Heights. 

Washington Withdraws 
to Harlem and W^ h 1 1 e 
Plains. — In the face of the 




PLAN OF BATTLE OP LONG ISLAND. 



enemy, Washington withdrew his army from Long Island on 
the night of August 29th, without the movement being de- 
tected. He himself crossed in the last boat, having been forty- 



120 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 






eight hours in the saddle. In a few days Howe also crossed 
East River and occupied the city of New York. For awhile 
Washington held a strong position at Harlem, but when the 
British ships passed the obstructions placed in the Hudson 
River, he left Manhattan Island, burnt the bridge behind him 
and withdrew to a fortified camp at White Plains. 

Fort Washinsfton Surrendered. — In falling back, Washing- 
ton left a large garrison at Fort Washington lower down the 

Hudson. The British captured the 
fort with 3,000 soldiers, on Novem- 
ber 15th. In consequence of this, 
Washington was obliged to move into 
New Jersey, and, before long, to 
cross the Delaware into Pennsyl- 
vania, just above Trenton.' 

Disobedience of General 
Charles Lee. — General Charles Lee, 
who had been left on the east side of 
the Hudson with 7,000 men, was now 
ordered to join Washington. Instead 
of doing so, he busied himself in 
criticising that general to Congress, 
in the hope of superseding him as 
commander-in-chief. When he did 
move, he went to Morristown, where he was captured by some 
British dragoons. 

Congress Removes to Baltimore, 1770. — Alarmed at Wash- 
ington's retreat into Pennsylvania, Congress withdrew from Phil- 
adelphia to Baltimore, first giving Washington "power to order 
and direct aD things " necessary for the war. By this authority 
three battalions of artillery were enlisted, an increase of pay 
promised, and ten dollars to each soldier who would serve six 
weeks longer than the time of his enlistment. 







OPERATIONS ABOUT NEW YOEK. 



1 During the darkest hours of this campaign, Washington declared that if men 
and means failed elsewhere, he would •' retire to tlie mountains of West Augusta, 
and from there, if need be, cross the Alleghanies to secure independence." 



BATTLES AROUND NEW YORK. 



121 



Battle of Trenton. — To strike a blow at the enemy before 
his army was too much weakened by the returning home of his 
men Washington crossed the Delaware 
Eiver, which was full of floating ice, on 
Christmas night, marched nine miles 
through a driving snow, and attacked the 
British at Trenton, The ice in the river 
and the difficulty of the march prevented 
all the troops from getting uj) in time ; but 
notwithstanding this and the fact that the 
intense cold froze one man to death and 
benumbed many others, the expedition 
was a great success. The British were 
entirely surprised, twenty Hessians were tors' 




BATTLE OF TRENTON. 



killed and nearly 1,000 captured, with an 

American loss of two men and two officers killed, and one man 

frozen. 

Questions. — 1. What defence was made at Charleston, in South Carolina, 
in 1776 ? 2. Tell of the attack by the British, and of Moultrie's defence. 
3. What is the story of Sergeant Jasper ? 4. What was the result of the 
victory? 5. What forces now gathered at New York? 6. Describe the 
battle of Long Island. 7. To what point did General Washington first 
withdraw? 8. Why did he leave Manhattan Island? 9. Where was the 
next battle fought ? 10. What forced Washington to cross the Delaware 
into Pennsylvania? 11. What can you tell of General Charles Lee's diso- 
bedience ? 12. Why did Congress leave Philadelphia ? 13. Where did it 
go ? 14. Tell of the recrossing of the Delaware and of the battle of Tren- 
ton. 15. What was Washington's determination (note) ? 16. Have you 
found all the places on the map ? 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



BATTLE OF PRINCETON— BATTLES NEAR PHILADELPHIA— BURGOYNE'S 
CAMPAIGN AND SURRENDER. 

Battle of Princeton, 1777. — In a few days after Washing- 
ton's success at Trenton, Cornwallis came against him there with 



122 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

7,000 men. There were less than 4,000 Americans, and ice in 
the Delaware prevented their receiving reinforcements or retreat- 
ing. Lord Cornwallis thought that this time he would surely 
"bag the fox." Instead of this, the fox slipped away. In the 
night of January 3d Washington, passing round the British flank, 
attacked and defeated the rear of the army with a loss of thirty 
men, the gallant General Mercer among them. Five hundred of 
the British were killed, wounded or captured. "Washington 
then went into winters quarters at Morristown, New Jersey, 
where he could threaten his enemy's communications. Corn- 
wallis, therefore, fell back to Amboy, and both armies took a rest.' 

Dwindling of Wasliington's Army. — In the meantime the 
forces at Morristown were rapidly decx-easing, and the re-enlist- 
ments and coming in of new troops were painfully slow. Wash- 
ington was not strong enough to change his place until late in 
May, when he moved to Middlebrook. 

Effort to Seize the Hudson. — The British from Canada 
aided by Hessians and Indians, now made another effort to take 
possession of the Hudson River. Washington apprehended 
this, and advised General Schuyler to examine the country tho- 
roughly and fortify all points where he could impede the ene- 
my's advance, He also sent him 500 mounted Virginia riflemen 
under General Morgan, and other troops under General Arnold. 

Howe in the Chesapeake. — While Washington was watching 
his enemies at Middlebrook, General Howe embarked his army 
at New York and sailed away southward. The entrance to the 
Delaware being strongly defended, Howe entered the capes of 
Virginia and proceeded slowly up to the head of the Chesa- 
peake Bay. Learning where to expect the British, Washington 
moved forward to meet them. 

1 In 1776 Silas Deane.of Connecticut, was sent to France as a commissioner to 
procure aid for the United States. Dr. Franklin and Arthur Lee, of Virginia, then 
acting as commissioner in England, were now sent to join Deane. These commis- 
sioners were, if possible, to obtain recognition and alliance witli France. For 
some time they had little success. Still, secret aid was given, and a <iuantity of 
arms and powder was brought to America in an armed vessel. Money was also 
advanced, for which the commissioners promised to furnish tobacco and other 
produce. 



BATTLES NEAR PHILADELPHIA. 



123 



Battles of Brandywine and Germantown, 1777. — As the 

American army marched through Philadelphia the only approach 
to any unifoi-m, was a sprig of green stuck in each soldier's hat. 
To pacify the fault-finding of Congress, it was now determined 
to risk a battle for the defence of Philadelphia. On September 
11th the armies came together on the banks of Brandywine 
Creek. The well-equipped British army was 3,000 stronger than 
the poorly provided Americans. Both sides fought bravely, but 
the British, by a flank movement, crossed the stream higher up, 
attacked the Americans in the rear, and drove them all along 
the line. Pursuit was soon checked, and the Americans retired 
in good order to Chester. The American loss was 1,000, that 
of the British 579. Washington withdrew through Philadel- 
phia to Germantown, where he was again defeated in October. 
Howe took possession of Philadelphia. The forts on the Dela- 
ware were captured, with a British loss 
of 400 Hessians, and the river was open- 
ed to the enemy's ships.' 

Burgoyne Advances from Canada. — 
General Burgoyne advanced from Can- 
ada, by way of Lake Champlain and the 
valley of the Hudson, against General 
Schuyler with nearly 8,000 well-equipped 
soldiers, 400 Indians, and a fine supf)ly 
of brass cannon. Seventeen hundred 
men under Colonel St. Leger were to 
move farther to the west, capture Fort 
Schuyler, and sweep through the Mo- 
hawk Valley to join Burgoyne 




buegoyne's route. 
By July 5th Burgoyne occu- 
pied Ticonderoga, and later in the month proceeded to Fort 
Edward. From that point his march was surrounded with 



1 By this time a number of soldiers from Europe, who were ardent lovers of free- 
dom, had made their -way into the States. Count Pulaski, from Poland; Baron 
DeKalb, from Germany, and the Marquis Gilbert Motier de Lafayette, a rich 
French nobleman only twenty years old, joined Washington during this march. 
Major Henry Lee, of Virginia, also brought his cavalry corps, which became so 
efficient, and from which he received the title of " Light Horse Harry." 



124 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

difl&culties. The country was wild and rugged, the roads had 
been blocked up by General Schuyler, and the bridges des- 
troyed ; trees were lying everywhere, and in places the dry lands 
were flooded, so that advance was almost impossible. All sup- 
plies had been carried from the region, and the British had to 
subsist on what provisions they carried with them, and they 
had not animals enough to haul their artillery and their food. 

Battles of Oriskany and Bennington, 1777. — Two serious 
disasters also increased his embarrassment. St. Leger was at- 
tacked by 800 militia at Oriskany, and suffered severe loss, and 
afterwards failed in his attack on Fort Schuyler, from which he 
retreated in haste on August 22d before 800 men, under Arnold, 
sent to relieve the fort. General Burgoyne sent Colonel Baum, 
with 1,340 British and Hessians, to Bennington, in Vermont, to 
seize the stores there and to scour the country for horses and 
cattle. General John Stark, with 1,400 militia, attacked the 
British in front, flank and rear. He led the main attack him- 
self, saying to his troops : " Now, men, there are the red-coats. 
Before night they must be ours, or Molly Stark will be a widow." 
The Americans then drove Indians, Tories, British and Germans 
before them, and captured their guns. Baum was mortally 
wounded, 207 of his men were killed, 700 captured, and all his 
artillery, 1,000 stand of small arms and most of his baggage 
fell into Stark's hands. The Americans had forty men kilkd 
and forty-two wounded. These defeats added greatly to Bur- 
goyne's difficulties, as he could neither advance nor retreat with- 
out attack from the Americans, who were daily receiving rein- 
forcements.^ 

Schuyler Superseded by Gates. — At this very time, when 
General Schuyler's labors seemed about to be crowned with 

1 The brutal murder of Miss Jane McCrae by some Indians added to Burgoyne's 
troubles. Miss McCrae was staying with Mrs. O'Neil at Fort Edward, when some 
Indians seized the two ladies and carried them off in different directions. The 
young girl's betrothed lover was an oflicer in the British camp, and she promised 
her captors a large reward if they would carry her there safely. As they went the 
Indians began to quarrel, and one of them slew the poor girl and carried her scalp 
to Burgoyne's camp, where it was recognized. The massacre of this innocent girl 
stirred up lively feelings of revenge among the Americans, and many who had 
been neutral now joined the patriot ranks. 



burgoyne's campaign and surrender. 125 

victory, he was ordered by Congress to turn his command over 
to General Gates, and answer to a charge that he had neglected 
to defend Fort Ticonderoga. Congress furnished the new com- 
mander with what had been withheld from Schuyler, and the 
ability of Arnold, Morgan and Lincoln partly remedied his inef- 
ficiency. 

Battles Near Saratoga.— On September 19th there was a 
bloody fight between the two armies. Arnold and Morgan would 
have gained a complete victory if properly supported. But Gates, 
instead of reinforcing Arnold, put him under arrest and made no 
mention of him in his dispatches. Both sides claimed the vic- 
tory, and then waited for reinforcements, Two thousand New 
England men joined Gates. Burgoyne waited in vain for Sir 
Henry Clinton and his army from New York. They did not 
come, and as his forces were suffering for want of food and for- 
age, and growing less by desertion, Burgoyne made an unsuc- 
cessful effort, on October 7th, to break through the American 
lines. The fighting was very hot. Morgan and Arnold again 
played an important part in the engagement, which continued 
until nightfall. The British were defeated with the loss of 700 
men, several ofiicers, and all their artillery. 

Burgoyne Surrenders. — The British army fell back to Sara- 
toga in the night, and ten days afterward General Burgoyne sur- 
rendered his whole force of 5,500 men with cannon, small arms, 
clothing and tents. The victory encouraged the Americans 
greatly and aroused much respect for them in Europe. 

Questions. — 1. Describe the battle of Princeton. 2. When did Wash- 
ington go into winter quarters ? 3. Who were sent to France as commis- 
sioners, ajjd for what purpose (note) ? 4. What was the condition of Wash- 
ington's army? 5. What effort did the British now make ? 6. What steps 
did Washington take to defeat it? 7. What move did General Howe make? 
8. Describe the battles of Brandywine and Qermantown. 9. What three 
noted foreign officers now Joined the Americans (note) ? 10. Who brought 
a legion of Light Horse from Virginia (note) ? 11. Who commanded the 
British advance from Canada? 13. What successes did he meet with? 
13. What difficulties did he encounter? 14. Describe the battle of Oris- 
kany. 15. The battle of Bennington. 16. Tell of the murder of Miss Mc- 



126 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Crae (note). 17. What change was made by Congress in the army ? 18. Tell 
of the battles near Saratoga. 19. What became of General Burgoj-ne, and 
what was the effect of the American victories in Evn-ope and America ? 20. In 
what year did these battles occur? 21. Find all the places mentioned on 
the map. 



CHAPTEE XXV. 

VALLEY FORGE, MONMOUTH, WYOMING, FRENCH FLEET— CHEROKEE 
WAR IN THE SOUTH. 

Conspiracy Against Washington. — Gates's success at Sara- 
toga brought danger to the country and wrong to General 
Washington. Gates was a poor soldier, and had a jealous, vain 
and arrogant disposition. He had supplanted Schuyler, and 
now hoped to supersede Washington himself. The Congress- 
men from New England who were unfriendly to Washington ; 
the Pennsylvanians, who complained that their State had not 
been properly defended, and a number of disappointed officers, 
set about a scheme to jDut him in Washington's place. The 
undertaking was known as the "Conway Cabal" from an Irish 
general who took prominent jiart in it. 

Sufferings at Yalley Forge, 17 77-' 78.— After the battle 
of Germantown, Washington put his army into winter quarters 
at Valley Forge, about twenty miles from Philadelphia, where 
they suffered incredible hardships. The men had no tents, no 
blankets. They were barefooted, half-naked and nearly starved, 
and until they built rude huts were without shelter from the 
cold and the snow. We must wonder how the soldiers bore 
such privations and their commander endured the responsibility 
and anxiety of the winter. The treachery and dissatisfaction 
which produced the Conway conspiracy added to his anxieties. 

Inefficiency of Congress. — These troubles arose mainly from 
the inefficiency of Congress. Many of the wisest statesmen had 
left the Congress to organize the governments in their own 
States ; some were in Europe, some with the army, and some of 
those still remaining in Congress yielded to sectional prejudice 



VALLEY FORGE, MONMOUTH. 127 

and countenanced unworthy schemes. Even John Adams wrote : 
"I am sick of Fabian systems." Gouverneur Morris, of New York, 
wrote at the time : " The Continental Congress and the currency 
have greatly depreciated." People would not take the paper 
money, and supplies could not be carried to the army for want 
of money to pay for their hauling. 

Washington at Valley Forge/ — Washington and his friends 
exposed and defeated the designs of Gates and his party, and 
won the best men in the country to his support. He per- 
suaded General Greene to become the quartermaster-general, 
and the army was better provided for and affairs improved. The 
army was also drilled and disciplined and rendered more effec- 
tive by Baron Steuben, from Prussia. 

Recognition by France, 1778. — After Burgoyne's defeat, 
there was some movement in England towards a reconciliation 
with the colonies, and France, to prevent this, recognized the 
United States of America as an independent nation on the 6th 
of February, 1778. A treaty of friendship and alliance was 
signed in Paris and ratified by Congress. 

The British Evacnate Philadelphia. — The fear of being 
blockaded by the French fleet, forced the British to evacuate 
Philadelphia. Sir William Howe was replaced by Sir Henry 
Clinton, who moved the army from the city on June 18th. 

Battle of Monmouth Conrt House, June 28th, 1778.— In 
anticipation of such a move the New Jersey troops had been 
sent to defend their homes, and now Morgan was disj^atched to 
their aid with a picked corps. The whole army followed, and 
General Charles Lee, who commanded the advance, was ordered 
to attack Clinton. He did not choose to obey Washington, and, 
after a feeble attack, ordered his men to retreat. Washington 
came to push the attack and was met by Lee's men falling back. 
Greatly angered at this, the commander-in-chief rode forward 

1 Mrs. Washington and other ladies came to Valley Forge and shared the priva- 
tionsof theirhusbands. Washington's headquarters were at one Isaac Potts's. One 
day Potts heard a man talking very earnestly in the bushes. Creeping up to see 
who was speaking, he saw General Washington on his knees, and heard him pray 
earnestly for the success of the American cause. Potts was much impiessed, and 
told his wife that the Lord would surely answer Washington's prayer. 



128 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



and sternly demanded why they were withdrawn. Lee answered 
disrespectfully, and "Washington reprimanded him for disobey- 
ing orders. But there was no time for words. ^ Lord Stii'ling 
and General Lafayette and the artillery assisted Washington in 
checking the retreat. The battle was renewed and continued 
until nightfall. The British then retreated and the Americans 
slept on the field. This fight at Monmouth Courthouse was the 
last sustained battle in the Northern States. Washington now 
took his army again to ^Vliite Plains in New York. 




'Captain molly 



Massacre at Wyoming. — In July the New York Indians and 
Tories under command of Brandt, an Indian chief, carried fire 
and sword into the jieaceful Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. 
Five thousand helpless people were driven from their homes and 
many, many others tortured and massacred. When a force was 
sent against them the murderers fled back to New York, where 
Brandt made a similar raid into Cherry Valley. 

1 General Lee was tried by court-martial, was found guilty and relieved from 
command for a year. He then became so insolent that he was dismissed from 
the army. 

« At the battle of Monmouth Molly Pitcher, who was bringing water to the t-ol- 
diers, saw her husband shot down and immediately took his place at the gun. The 
soldiers afterwards called her " Captain Molly," and she was given a sergeant's 
warrant and half-pay for life by Congress. 



FRENCH FLEET. CHEROKEE WAR IN THE SOUTH. 129 

Destruction of the Six Nations. — General Sullivan was sent 
into western New York the next summer (1779) with 3,000 men 
to punish these outrages. He routed the armies of Indians and 
Tories and devastated the Indian country so that the power of 
the Six Nations was completely broken. 

Coming of the French Fleet. — Count D'Estaing in July, 
1778, brought eighteen French war vessels with 4,000 soldiers 
on board to assist the Americans. It was decided to attack the 
British at Rhode Island. The encounter was prevented by a 
severe storm, which injured both fleets so much that they sailed 
away for repairs, Lord Howe to New York, and Count D'Estaing 
to Boston, and subsequently to the West Indies. 

British Outrages. — The English naval officers now commit- 
ted many ravages along the coast of New Jersey, Massachusetts 
and Connecticut, burning and destroying towns, manufactories 
and supplies. Special vengeance was inflicted on places which 
had sheltered American privateers. 

Fall of Savannah. — Part of the British force at New York 
was sent to make an attack on Georgia, where they soon took 
possession of Savannah. Washington sent General Lincoln 
to command the Southern department and oppose them, while 
his own army went into winter quarters in the highlands of New 
Jersey. 

Indian Warfare in the South. — While their brethren along 
the sea-coast fought with English regulars the frontiersmen in 
the South were forced to contend for life and freedom with the 
Indians and Tories who joined the red men. 

Cherokee Outbreak, 1776. — In the suromer of 1776 the 
Cherokees waged a sudden and cruel war along the borders of 
Georgia and the Carolinas as far as the Watauga settlements. 

Attack on Watauga. — An Indian squaw warned the Watauga 
settlers that 700 Cherokee warriors were coming against them, 
and gave them time to take refuge within their forts. Those 
whites who did not reach the forts were tortured and slain with- 
out mercy. In a battle on the Island Flats of the Holston River 
the savages were put to flight. Another band of Cherokees, at 
9 



130 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the same time, besieged the Watauga fort, where the women 
and children were successfully defended for three weeks by 
fifty men under Robertson and Sevier, although there was noth- 
ing in thfe fort to eat but parched corn. 

The Cherokees Defeated— Peace. — The frontiersmen now 
determined to avenge their wrongs and to punish the Indians. 
The South Carolina and Georgia militia, under Andrew Wil- 
liamson, together with Eutherford's North Carolinians, attacked 
and destroyed first the lower Cherokee towns, and then their 
settlements across the mountains, so successfully that the south- 
ern Cherokees were broken up and forced to take refuge among 
the Creeks. The Virginians from Fincastle county, assisted by 
men from North Carolina and from Watauga settlement, under 
Colonel William Christian, prepared to attack the northern or 
Over-Hill Cherokees, with 2,000 men. The Indian warriors col- 
lected on the French Broad, but could not face so formidable 
an army, and fled in the night. The Virginians jjursued them, 
and destroyed their towns and provisions. The next season the 
Cherokees made treaties of peace, by which the States gained 
considerably. 

Questions. — 1. What sort of a soldier was General Gates ? 2. What eon< 
spiracy was formed against General Washington ? 3. Describe the suffer- 
ings of the army at Valley Forge. 4. What was the state of Congress at 
this time ? 5. What was done to improve the condition of the army ? 
6. Tell the stoiy of Isaac Potts (note). 7. When did France recognize the 
independence of the United States ? 8. What effect did this have upon the 
British in Philadelphia ? 9. Tell of the battle of Monmouth Courthouse. 
10. What became of General Charles Lee (note)? 11. AVho committed 
the massacre at Wyoming, and when ? 12. How was the outrage avenged ? 
13. What assistance now came to the Americans ? 14. What ravages were 
now committed by British sea captains? 15. Tell of the movements of 
French and English forces and of the fall of Savaimah. 16. Tell of the 
Cherokee outbreak in 1776. 17. Describe the battle on the Ilolston River 
and the attack on the Watauga fort. 18. How and by whom were the 
Cherokees finally defeated and peace made ? 19. Find the places as you 
come to them. 



Clarke's taking of the northwest. 131 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

CLARKE'S TAKING OF THE NORTHWEST. 

Immigration to Kentucky. — Although the journey thither 
was difficult, and the danger from Indians great, a continual 
stream of immigration poured into Kentucky, chiefly from Vir- 
ginia. These sturdy, self-reliant pioneers desired to provide for 
their children not only homes in the lofty forests and fertile 
prairies, but also the blessings of freedom, and a secure, inde- 
l^endent government. 

Kentucky County Organized, 1776. — In 1776 Gabriel Jones 
and George Rogers Clarke were sent by the Kentucky settlers 
to tell the Virginia Convention at Williams- 
burg that they needed a local government, and 
to ask that the country west of the mountains 
might be separated from Fincastle county, and 
made the county of Kentucky with its own 
courts and county officers. The convention 
had adjourned before Jones and Clarke reached 
Botetourt county. Jones then joined Colonel 
Christian's expedition against the Cherokees, claeke. 

but Clarke went to see Governor Henry, to get powder for the 
Kentuckians to defend themselves against the Indians, who were 
incited by British agents to destroy them. He persuaded Henry 
to advise the council of Virginia to furnish him with five hundred 
pounds of powder. They did so by giving Clarke an order on 
the commander of Fort Pitt to provide him with the powder, to 
be taken down the Ohio River to Kentucky. In the fall the legis- 
lature created the county of Kentucky and gave it a regular 
government. 

Clarke Plans to Take the Northwest. — Clarke was con- 
vinced that the Indian attacks from the north side of the Ohio 
were abetted, if not instigated, by British agents. He, there- 
fore, considered that if the British forts in the Northwest could 




132 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

be captured the British influence would be destroyed. When 
the invasion from Canada was brought to an unsuccessful end 
by the defeat of Burgoyne, Clarke thought his plan might be 
practicable. He returned to Virginia and laid the project before 
Governor Henry, and three other leading men — Thomas Jeffer- 
son, George Wythe and George Mason. The idea pleased them 
much, and the governor gave Clarke authority to raise 350 men 
for the purpose of capturing the forts. 

Clarke's Expedition Down the Ohio, 1778. — By the spring 
of 1778 Clarke had only collected 150 men for his enterprise. 
With these and a number of emigrants with their families and 
worldly goods, he set out down the Ohio River. When they 
reached the falls of the river, Clarke, for the first time, told his 
men the object of the expedition. Some of them refused to go 
farther, but their places were supplied by bold Kentuckians, 
who eagerly took part in the enterprise. At the mouth of the 
Tennessee River they met some hunters who had just returned 
from the forts. These hunters joined the expedition, and greatly 
assisted it by telling Clarke that the French inhabitants of the 
country were so much afraid of the backwoodsmen that they 
would assist the English, unless he took them by surprise. 

Capture of Fort Kaskaskia, 1778. — Guided by the hunters, 
Clarke's force now plunged into the wilderness. By July 4th 
the neighborhood of Fort Kaskaskia, in Illinois, was reached. A 
ball was going on in the fort. Entrance to it was gained by 
means of a captured soldier, who led the Americans through a 
postern gate, and, in a few moments, fort, garrison and com- 
mander, all fell into Clarke's hands without any blood being 
spilt. The French inhabitants of the town and country made 
friends with the Americans and took the oath of allegiance to 
the States as soon as they heard that the French king had be- 
come their ally. They even assisted Clarke to capture Cuhokia. 
Father Gibault, a French priest, then went to Vincennes and 
persuaded the people there to hoist the flag of the Continental 
government. The Indians, for many leagues round, hearing of 
the success of the ''Long-Knives," came to Kaskaskia, promising 
friendship and peace. 



CLARKE S TAKING OF THE NORTHWEST. 



133 



The British Occupy Yincennes. — The principal British post 
was at Detroit, and all the others were regulated from it. When 
Hamilton, the commander at Detroit, heard of Clarke's captures, 
he determined to reconquer the country. With 500 whites and 
Indians he repaired to Vincennes and occupied the fort which 
had no garrison. The French residents submitted to King 
George as readily as they had done to Congress. Clarke made 
the desperate resolve to recapture Vincennes. He had only 100 
men, and Hamilton never imagined that such a handful would 
march in midwinter over a country half under water and attack 
him. He therefore kept in the fort only ninety whites and as* 
many Indians, and let his other troops go home. 

Clarke's March to Yincennes, 1779. — When Clarke learned 
that the garrison was thus reduced, he decided to march at once 

o n Vincen- 
nes. He sent 
a little ves- 
sel up the 
Wabash 
with a few 
small guns 
and fifty 
men. With 
130 others 
he began a 
desperate 

CLARKE'S MARCH TO VINCENNES. m a r C h O f 

250 miles, across a wilderness full of swollen streams. The 
men waded for days through the swamps, where the water 
was sometimes up to their chins. Their provisions gave out, 
and they could do no hunting. The bateau did not come, but 
they kept bravely on. Two canoes, which they found, and some 
rafts which they built saved many of them from perishing with 
exhaustion. One of the men kept a diary. In it are the words : 
"Colonel Clarke encouraged his men, which gave them great 
spirit. Marched on in the waters. No provisions yet. Lord, 
help UB." 




134 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Capture of the Fort. — On the afternoon of February 23r(l 
they came within hearing of the guns at Vincennes. The gar- 
rison did not know an enemy was anywhere near until a sol- 
dier was shot through one of the port holes. They were 
completely surprised, and surrendered the fort on the next day, 
February 24th, after being fired on for twenty-four hours. 

Illinois County Created. — The greater part of the prisoners 
were released on parole, but Hamilton and the other officers 
were sent to Governor Henry, in Virginia. The country cap- 
tured from the British by Clarke was at once organized into the 
county of Illinois, with a government like that of the other Vir- 
ginia counties, and continued a part of that State until she gave 
it to the general government. Clarke's conquest of the North- 
west, and Virginia's government of it, induced the English to 
give up the region to the United States at the close of the 
Revolutionary War.' 

Questions. — 1 . What can you tell of the emigration to Kentucky ? 2. Who 
came to Virginia in 1776 to arrange for organizing it into a separate county? 
3. Who was governor of Virginia at this time, and what was Clarke's re- 
quest? 4. What assistance was given him ? 5. What was Clarke's plan 
to conquer the Northwest, and who encouraged him? 6. Tell of his expe- 
dition down the Ohio in 1778. 7. Describe the capture of Fort Kaskaskla, 
and the conduct of the French and Indians. 8. What move was then made 
by the British under Hamilton, and what was Clarke's resolve ? 9. Tell of 
Clarke's march to Vincennes in 1779. 10. How and when was the fort cap- 
tured? 11. Into what was the captured country organized ? 12. Tell of 
Clarke's later life (note). 13. Find on the map all places mentioned. 



CHAPTER XXVn. 

STONY POINT— WAR IN THE SOUTH— ARNOLD'S TREACHERY. 

British Raids Along tlie Coast, 1779. — In the summer of 
1779 the British again ravaged the coasts from Connecticut 
down into the Chesapeake Bay, 

1 Clarke fought after this In Virginia, and again in the west, and was made a 
brigadier-general. He died in 1818, in Kentucky, with which State he had identi- 
fied himself. 



STONY POINT — WAR IN THE SOUTH. 135 

Stony Point, 1779. — Expecting that another attempt would 
be made to seize the Hudson River, General Washington built 
fortifications for its defence at West Point, at Verplanck's Point 
and at Stony Point. Before the latter fort was completed it 
was taken by the British, who made it very strong. Much 
annoyed at this, Washington proposed to General Wayne — 
" Mad Anthony," as he was called from his daring rashness — 
to surprise and retake Stony Point in the night. Wayne set 
out for the congenial enterprise with less than 200 picked men, 
and reached the fort about nightfall. The dogs in the neigh- 
borhood had been killed, lest their barking should alarm the 
garrison. The men advanced with their bayonets fixed and 
their guns unloaded, that no accidental shot might awaken the 
sleepers. A negro who knew the fort guided them in. After 
a little sharp resistance the Americans scaled the walls and cap- 
tured the fort at the point of the bayonet, and the garrison 
surrendered at discretion. Out of the twenty-two men form- 
ing the "forlorn hope" which led the assault, seventeen were 
killed or wounded, The whole American loss was ninety-eight ; 
that of the British 606. Washington had not men enough to 
hold Stony Point, so the guns and stores were removed and the 
defences destroyed. 

Unsuccessful Siege of SaTannah, 1779. — In the fall of this 
year Count D'Estaing was persuaded to assist with his fleet an 
attempt of General Lincoln to drive the British from Savannah. 
The attack was unsuccessful. Both sides lost heavily, D'Estaing 
was wounded, and Count Pulaski slain. The Americans with- 
drew to Charleston, and the French sailed away. When Wash- 
ington heard of this reverse he sent the North Carolina and 
Virginia troops t^ defend the south, and put the small army 
left him into winter quarters at Morristown. 

SuiferingS of the Soldiers. — The army fared even harder 
than at Valley Forge. There was no food for the soldiers 
except what could be taken from the surrounding country, and 
that was almost exhausted. The Continental money became 
daily more worthless. Forty dollars would not buy one del- 



136 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

iar's worth. Congress would do nothing to relieve the difficul- 
ties. The Pennsylvania authorities quarrelled with General 
Arnold, who commanded in Philadelphia, anji everything seemed 
at cross purposes'. 

Aifairs in Philadelphia. — There was reason for the com- 
plaints against Arnold, for while the army was starving, there 
was luxury and feasting in Philadelphia, and the speculators 
were growing rich. Arnold married Miss Shippen during the 
winter, and lived very expensively. 

Capture of Charleston, 1780. — The main efforts of the Bri- 
tish were now directed against the Southern States. In Janu- 
ary Sir Henry Clinton sailed for South Carolina and moved 
against Charleston. The city was held by General Lincoln, 
with 2,000 Continentals and 1,000 North Carolina militia. The 
British ships crossed the bar at high tide, and passed Fort 
Moultrie in spite of its guns. Lincoln was reinforced by 700 
Virginians, who had marched 500 miles in thirty days, but Clin- 
ton received 2,500 additional troops, and invested the city on 
all sides. His cavalry also cut Lincoln's communications and 
broke up the militia posts north of it. Under these circum- 
stances a longer defence of Charleston was impossible, and on 
May 12th General Lincoln surrendered it. There were 2,000 
Continental soldiers, but the British claimed 5,618 prisoners, 
which included the militia and the citizens. 

Trying Time for America. — The American cause had never 
seemed so hopeless as now. The money troubles grew worse 
daily. Washington's troops from Connecticut and New Jersey 
openly threatened to go home unless they were better paid and 
provided for. Private aid was sent them, and some Philadel- 
phia ladies raised seven or eight thousand <i3llars for General 
Washington to lay out for his men. Washington again tried to 
rouse Congress to do something for the relief of the army, but 
they were as inefficient as ever, and, without consulting the 

'The principal comfort Washington had during these days of gloom was in the 
return of Lafayette from a visit to France, especially as the Marquis brought the 
good news that another French fleet and soldiers, under Count Rocbambeau, were 
coming to help the Americans. 



WAR IN THE SOUTH. 



137 




commander-in-chief, sent General Gates to take command of the 
Southern department. The only gleam of light was the arrival 
at New York on July 10, 1780, of a fine French fleet with Count 
Rochambeau and his forces. They were all under Washington's 
command and added much to his strength. He was still, how- 
ever, unable to attack New York on account of his own weak- 
ness and the arrival of a British fleet. 

Disaster at Waxhaws in South Carolina, 1780. — Severe 
disasters in South Carolina added to the American troubles- 
A patriot force under Colonel Buford was se- 
verely defeated on the banks of the "Waxhaws 
on May 29th. Tarleton and Ferguson, the 
British cavalry leaders, were cruel, unscrupu- 
lous men, who encouraged their troops to 
savage deeds. The men who surrendered in 
the fight were cut to pieces by Tarleton's 
butchers. One hundred and thirteen were 
killed on the spot, and one hundred and fifty 
were brutally mangled and mortally wounded 
escaped with their commanders, Buford and Colonel William 
Washington. The British lost only five killed 
and fifteen wounded. 

Sumter, Marion, Pickens, Clarke, "Light 
Horse Harry '^ Lee.- -Sir Henry Clinton 
thought he had conquered South Carolina, and 
issued a proclamation calling on the people to 
resume their allegiance to King George. The 
great majority of the population, however, re- 
MAEioN. mained true to the American cause. Partisan 

bands of soldiers, under Sumter, Marion, Pickens, Clarke, and 
others kept up an irregular warfare, attacking every detached 
post or small body of British troops.* Carolina was by no 
means conquered. 

1 Francis Marion, as bold in attack and as swift in movement as Tarleton, knew 
the country so well that he disappeared as suddenly as he came. Tarleton's 
troopers called him the " Swamp Fox," because he and his men hid so skillfully in 
the swamps when hard pressed. Sumter was known as the " Game Cock," from 



HENEY LEE. 

One hundred 




138 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Treachery of Benedict Arnold. — You have seen how gallant 
and efficient Benedict Arnold had been in many battles, and how 
he had become extravagant in Philadelphia, and had been blamed 
by the Pennsylvania legislature. This made him very angry, 
and he determined to turn traitor to his country to revenge 
himself and get money to pay his debts by selling some place of 
importance to the British. He was greatly esteemed as a sol- 
dier, and when he asked to be given command at "West Point, 
on the Hudson River, his request was granted at once. He 
then offered to surrender the fort to Su' Henry Clinton if he 
would pay well for it. The correspondence was carried on with 
Clinton's aide. Major John Andre. When the details of the 
plot were to be settled, Andre came up to the neighborhood of 
West Point in a British ship, and had an interview with Arnold. 
The ship did not wait for him, and he had to return to New 
York by land. 

Capture and Execution of Andre. — On his journey down 
the river bank, Andre was stopped by three patriots, Pavdding, 
Williams, and Van Wert. They searched him and found a plan 
of the fort and the agreement of surrender in his stockings. 
Andre tried to bribe his captors to let him go, but Paulding 
said they would not do it for ten thousand pounds. They gave 
him up to the military authorities and by General Washington's 
orders he was tried and hung as a spy. The unfortunate young 
man begged to be shot, and Sir Henry Clinton tried to procure 
his release, but the British had hung Captain Nathan Hale of 
the American army in 1776, and it was thought right that Andre 
should be treated in the same way. He met his fate bravely, 
admired and lamented by both his enemies and his friends. 
Arnold escaped to the British, who paid him a large sum of 
money, and made him a general. No one, however, ever re- 

the bold openness of his dashing fights. Sumter's men were poorly armed with 
swords made from saws, and knives fastened to poles for lances. Tlieir bullets 
were supplied by melting pewter dishes ; but their bold spirits made these rude 
weapons effective to destroy many well-armed enemies. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry Lee, with his famous Legion of Light Horse, also came to help the South 
Carolina patriots, and the command did gallant service against the British. 



BATTLE OP CAMDEN. 139 

Spected him again. His evil nature showed itself in ravaging 
and wronging his native land, and he died in obscurity, dis- 
honored and unregretted. 

Questions. — 1. What raids were made by the British in 1779 ? 2. Tell 
of the fortifications on the Hudson River, and the capture of Stony Point 
by General Wayne. 3. Under what circumstances was the unsuccessful 
siege of Savannah made in 1779 ? 4. What noted man was killed ? 5. What 
caused great suffering to the army at this time, and where was General Ar- 
nold ? 6. What complaint was made against him in Philadelphia ? 7. Who 
returned to America in 1780 (note) ? 8. Tell of the surrender of Charles- 
ton in 1780 to Sir Henry Clinton. 9. Why could not General Lincoln hold 
the city ? 10. Why did the American cause seem so hopeless at this time ? 
11. How was General Washington treated by Congress, and from what 
source did he receive encouragement? 12. Tell of the disaster at Wax- 
haws in South Carolina, and of the British officers, Tarleton and Ferguson. 
13. What Southern officers now maintained a guerrilla warfare in South 
Carolina ? 14. Describe their mode of fighting (note). 15. Tell the story 
of Benedict Arnold's treachery. 16. Who was Major Andre ? 17. How was 
he captured, and why was he executed? 18. What became of Arnold? 
19. Find all the places mentioned. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

KING'S MOUNTAIN, COWPENS, GUILFORD, EUTAW SPRINGS. 

Battle of Camden, 1780. — When Gates reached South Car- 
olina in July he found there 1,400 Maryland and Delaware sol- 
diers, who with the Virginia and North Carolina militia made 
3,000 men. Gates soon showed his inability to command. He 
did not know that Lord Cornwallis, who had been left in com- 
mand when Clinton returned to New York, had joined Lord 
Rawdon and had determined to fight. The battle occiirred on 
August 16th, near Camden. The American militia threw down 
their muskets and fled panic-stricken before the bayonet charge 
of the British regulars. The officers tried in vain to rally them. 
Baron DeKalb was mortally wounded and died a martyr to the 
cause of liberty. 



140 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



Fishing Creek. — A few days later Tarleton surprised Sum- 
ter's camp at Fishing Creek. Sumter escaped half-dressed on a 

barebacked horse, 
together with nearly 
400 of his men. 
Three hundred and 
fifty were killed and 
wounded, and a num- 
ber of prisoners and 
supplies taken from 
the British were re- 
captured. 

Gates's Retreat. 
Gates did not stop 
in his retreat from 
Camden until he 
reached Hillsbor- 
ough, in North Caro- 
lina, where he col- 

BATTLEFIKLDS IN THE CAROLINAS. Iccted 1,000 Of his 

scattered forces. Lord Cornwallis moved after him, intending 
to subjugate North Carolina and Virginia as he thought he had 
already done South Carolina. Tarleton and his rangers were 
sent to scour the country west of the main army, while Fergu- 
son, with 1,200 men, went nearer to the mountains to rouse the 
Tories and subdue the rebels. Two hundred mounted riflemen 
from Watauga and Holston had come under Isaac Shelby to help 
their countrymen in western North Carolina. After the defeat 
at Camden they returned home. Ferguson now sent word to 
Shelby that he was coming to destroy the settlements and kill 
their leaders. 

Rendezvous at Watauga Sycamore Shoals. — The men of 
Watauga and Holston did not wait for Ferguson, but deter- 
mined to fight him before he could reach their valleys. They 
sent messengers in hot haste praying Colonel Campbell, from 
Washington county, Virginia, to join them at the Watauga Syca- 




BATTLE OF KING's MOUNTAIN. 141 

more Shoals. Here assembled, on September 25th, 400 Virgin- 
ians, under Colonel Campbell ; 240 from Watauga, under Sevier ; 
240 from Holston, under Shelby ; and 160 North Carolina refu- 
gees, under Colonel McDowell. The "pioneer parson," Samuel 
Doak, blessed them and bade them " go forth with the sword 
of the Lord and of Gideon," Once over the mountains, num- 
bers of North Carolinians joined them until there were 1,840 
men. They were mostly well mounted and were armed with 
scalping knives, small-bore rifles and tomahawks. Colonel 
Campbell, who had brought the largest number of men, com- 
manded the whole force. 

Advance on Ferguson.— When Ferguson heard of the ad- 
vance against him he withdrew to King's Mountain where he 
stationed himself, boasting that " all the rebels in hell" could not 
drive him from it. The mountaineer warriors became afraid 
that Ferguson might escape from them, and determined to 
catch him. At the Cowpens, Colonel Campbell chose 910 of 
the best men, the best horses and rifles, and made a forced 
march of fifty miles in eighteen hours, through darkness, mud 
and rain. Fifty riflemen on foot kept up with the horsemen. 
Finding where Ferguson was, Campbell surrounded the hill, 
and ordered an immediate attack. The horses were tied to 
trees, with the blankets and coats of their riders fastened on 
the saddles. An order was then given that each man should see 
that his rifle was well primed, and then go forward and fight 
until he died. 

Battle of King's Mountain, 1780. — The advance of the 
Americans had been expected, but their attack came suddenly. 
They sheltered themselves behind the trees and poured their 
bullets into the British in front, flank and rear. Colonel Fer- 
guson fell pierced with seven balls. British bayonets were 
stoutly used, but availed nothing and the whole force surren- 
dered. One thousand one hundred and fifty men were killed or 
captured, and a large supply of arms secured. The victorious 
patriot army had fought on their own responsibility without 
orders from Congress or State. After hanging ten captured 



142 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



Tories as the enemies of the country, they handed over the 
other prisoners and the spoils to the projoer authorities and 
went quietly home. 







Effect of the Yietory.— 

«>J' " ^ ■ \^' This remarkable victory proved 

the turning point of the war in the South. The patriots were 
everywhere encouraged to new efforts. Sumter, Marion,* Lee, and 
other partisan leaders, became again active, and it required Tar- 
leton's best efforts to resist them. 

Tarleton Defeated at Blaekstocks. — Tarleton was ordered 
to leave Marion, and go and destroy Sumter. A fierce fight took 
place between him and the "Game Cock", at Blaekstocks, on 
November 20th, in which Tarleton Avas forced to retreat, leaving 
his wounded behind. The renewal of resistance in South Caro- 
lina forced Cornwallis to abandon his march northward and 
return to the State. 

General Greene Takes Command in the Sonth, 1780.— 
Congress ordered Gates from the field after his defeat at Cam- 
den, and requested General Washington to appoint his succes- 

ilt Is said that on one occasion a British oflfleer -who had come into Marion's camp 
under a flag of truce, was invited to dine with that general. At dinner time some 
roasted sweet potatoes were served on a shingle. " General," inquired the aston- 
ished Englishman, " is this your usual fare ?" " Indeed, it is," answered Marion, 
"only we have more than usual to-day in honor of your company." When the 
officer returned to his camp he reported to his superiors that they could never con- 
quer a country defended with such devotion. 



BATTLE OF "THE COWPENS. 



143 



sor. "Washington, thereupon, placed General Greene in com- 
mand of the Southern department. This was a wise choice, 
for Greene was more like the commander-in-chief than any 
other American general. At Charlotte, North Carolina, the 
new commander found a disorderly mob of 2,300 ill-fed and 
ill-clothed men, whom he quickly reorganized into an army, 
which he took to a more healthy region, where he could better 




MABIOM'S dinner to TUK BRITISH OFFICEBS. 

provide for their wants. Establishing his force near Cheraw, 
in the northeastern part of South Carolina, Greene sent Mor- 
gan with 1,000 men to threaten CornwalUs on the other flank. 
Tarleton was sent after Morgan with 1,100 choice troops. Mor- 
gan selected a good fighting ground at "The Cowpens," where 
his militia must fight or be killed, and awaited his enemy. 

Battle of "The Cowpens," 1781. — Morgan's men thus had 
a good rest, while their pursuers were marching night and day. 



144 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

When the British appeared Morgan took position on a small 
hill, where he put the Carolina militia in front, telling them 
to fire two volleys with good aim when the enemy was close 
upon them, and then to fall back. He put Howard's Maryland 
regulars and the Virginia riflemen behind the militia, and a 
third line of cavalry, out of sight, behind the crest of the hill. 
Morgan's skirmishers fired and fell back to the militia. These, 
also, fired well and fell back before the British bayonets. How- 
ard's men at the second line fought well, but were thrown into 
some confusion, and were directed to fall back behind the cav- 
alry and re-form. When the British saw them disappearing 
over the hill they rushed forward in disorder, thinking they 
had won the day. To their astonishment, Colonel Washington's 
dragoons met them in a tremendous charge, and soon sent them 
flying, panic-stricken from the field. 

Results of the Battle. — In this complete victory, the Amer- 
leans, with a loss of only seventy-two killed and wounded, killed 
110 of their assailants, wounded 200, took 600 prisoners, two 
cannon, 800 muskets, 100 horses, and all their baggage. And 
the moral success was still greater. Instead of destroying 
Morgan, Tarleton's force was almost annihilated, while the vic- 
torious army moved on northward in safety. Cornwallis hur- 
ried in pursuit and Greene rode rapidly 100 miles across the 
country to join Morgan. 

Greene's Masterly Retreat, 1781. — Cornwallis destroyed 
all his baggage that he might move more rapidly, but he never 
came close enough to Greene to attack him. The Yadkin and 
Dan Rivers were crossed by the Americans in actual sight of 
the enemy, who could not follow at once for want of boats. 
Cornwallis did not venture to pursue Greene into Virginia and 
withdrew to Hillsborough, North Carolina. Greene soon moved 
to Guilford Courthouse, near Greensboro, in that State. Here 
more soldiers joined him until he had an army of 4,243 infantry 
and artillery and 161 cavalry. Only 1,670 were regulars, the 
rest raw militia. Cornwallis had 2,400, all experienced veterans. 
The artillery of the armies was nearly equal. 



GREENK RETURNS TO SOUTH CAROLINA. 145 

Battle of Oiiilford Court-Hoiise, 1781.— The battle was 
joined on March 15th. Greene's militia, in the front line, fired 
at random and fled in terror from the British attack. The second 
line checked the advance of the enemy. The third line drove 
them back. At this moment Cornwallis hurled a shower of 
grape-shot into his flying grenadiers and the pursuing Ameri- 
cans. When his officers exclaimed that he was killing his own 
men, he replied : " That is true, but it will save us from destruc- 
tion." To save his men from the murderous artillery fire, Greene 
drew them back, and on the strength of this Cornwallis claimed 
the victory. He, however, lost more than 500, while the Ameri- 
can loss was small. In this battle the Virginia militia by their 
splendid conduct wiped out the stain which their misconduct at 
Camden had put upon them. 

Greene Returns to South Carolina. — Cornwallis found his 
communications so much threatened by Lee and the partisan lead- 
ers that he was compelled to move towards Wilmington with his 
half-starved men. Greene returned to South Carolina to assist the 
patriot forces who were capturing the British posts one after 
another. May 23d he laid siege to Fort Ninety-Six, the most 
important post in upper Carolina, garrisoned by 550 men under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Cruger, consisting of 350 regulars, and 200 
Tory militia from South Carolina under Colonel King. The ap- 
proaches were made under the direction of Kosciusko, and on 
June 16th a parallel was completed within thirty yards of the 
fort; on the 17th trenches and a mine were run to within six 
feet of the ditch. At this critical moment information was re- 
ceived that Lord Rawdon was approaching with 2,000 men. It 
became necessary to raise the siege or take the fort by assault. 
The assault was made the next day and failed. Greene then 
withdrew his exhausted army to recruit on the hills of the 
Santee.' 

'While Greene was resting, a South Carolina girl, eighteen years old, named 
Emily Geiger, carried a communication to General Sumter across a region full of 
British and Tories, where no man could have passed safely. With a message and a 
letter she galloped away. The Tories stopped her, but she swallowed the letter, 
got safely to Sumter and delivered the message, the result of which was a move- 
ment of the Americans which compelled Rawdon to abandon the up-country posts 
and retreat to Charleston, 
i) 



146 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Battle of Eutaw Springs, 1781.— This last battle in South 
Carolina was fought September 8th. Each army was about 2,300 
strong. The Americans attacked and swept everything before 
them ; even the militia fought stoutly and persistently. They 
thought the day was won, when they gained the enemy's camp, 
and fell to feasting on the good things found there. The Eng- 
lish then attacked in their turn with much execution. Greene 
could not dislodge them from a brick house which sheltered 
their sharp-shooters, and he withdrew from their camp. The 
British loss was 633. That of the Americans 535, but many of 
their officers were killed or wounded. This battle virtually 
ended the war in the Carolinas, for the terminating of which 
Greene and his men received the thanks of Congress and the 
general a gold medal. 

Questions.— 1. Who was sent to take command in the South? 2. Tell 
of the battle of Camden, and of Baron De Kalb's death. 3. What disaster 
occurred at Fishing Creek ? 4. What movements were made bj- General 
Gates and Lord Comwallis ? 5. Tell of Tarleton and Fertjuson and the 
message sent Shelby. 6. What was the determination of th(^ men of Wa- 
tauga? 7. What forces Ccime to their help? 8. Where did they rendezvous, 
and who was their commander? 9. To what place did Ferguson withdraw ? 
10. Describe the battle of King's Mountain, and the conduct of the patriots 
after it was over. 11. What story is told of a British offic«r's visit to Gen- 
eral Marion (note)? 12. Where and by whom was Tarleton defeated, and 
to what did this force Cornwallis? 13. Who was now placed in command 
in the South, and what disposition did he make of his forces? 14. Describe 
the battle of the Cowpens, and tell who commanded on both sides. 15. What 
were the results of this battle? 16. Tell of General Greene's masterly re- 
treat, and the condition of both armies. 17. Describe the battle of Guilford 
Courthouse. 18. W^hat movement was now made by General Greene, and 
what fort did he besiege ? 19. Tell of Emily Geiger's ride (note). 20. Under 
what circumstances was the battle of Eutaw Springs fought, and what efifect 
did it have upon the war ? 



THE WAR IN VIRGINIA. 147 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 

THE WAR IN VIRGINIA— SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN— CLOSE OF THE 
REVOLUTIONARY WAR— JOHN PAUL JONES. 

Devastation in Virginia, 1781. — The current of war now 
set towards Virginia. The traitor Arnold, with 1,600 men, 
went thither in January, 1781, to inflict as much injury and 
destruction as possible. In the latter part of March, General 
Phillips came from New York with 2,000 men to Portsmouth, 
and took command. He afterwards occupied Petersburg, 
though it was stoutly defended by 1,000 Virginia militia under 
Baron Steuben, where he destroyed a large quantity of tobacco, 
and at Osborne's, on James River, he burned a number of ves- 
sels belonging to the Virginia navy. He then advanced on 
Richmond, and burned 1,200 hogsheads of tobacco at Man- 
chester. 

Latayette in Virginia. — Washington now sent Lafayette to 
command in Virginia. One thousand two hundred regulars 
from New England and New Jersey, who were 
sent with him, were unwilling to go and be- 
gan to desert. To persuade them, Lafayette 
bought summer clothing for them in Balti- 
more at his own expense. He arrived in Rich- 
mond one day before Phillips appeared in 
Manchester, and was joined by Steuben's 
militia, so that he was able to defend Rich- 
mond, Without venturing an attack, Phillips lafayktte. 
returned to Petersburg, where he died of a fever. Cornwallis 
arrived there with his troops from Wilmington on May 20th, 
and took command. He wished to defeat Lafayette, of whom 
he spoke contemptuously as "a boy," before General Wayne, 
with 900 Pennsylvanians, could reinforce him. 

Virginia's Part in the War. — Cornwallis had more than 
6,000 well armed men, Lafayette scarcely more than half as 




148 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

many, for there were no arms for more. Virginia had stripped 
herself in aid of her sister States, and her resources were ex- 
hausted. You have seen Morgan and his riflemen at Boston, 
and from that time Virginia soldiers had fought in every con- 
siderable battle at the north. "WTien Georgia and the Carolinas 
were invaded Virginia moved promptly to their relief. Lee's 
legion and Campbell's riflemen, fighting continually to keep 
back the Indians along the western borders, and taking promi- 
nent part in the battle of King's Mountain, also attested the 
patriotism and devotion of the " Ancient Dominion." Besides 
this, the thousands of prisoners captured at various points in the 
North were now in Virginia to be fed and guarded by her. 
From 1776 she had kept from G,000 to 10,000 soldiers in service, 
and at this very time had 2,481 men with Greene, besides 5,000 
others fighting in the South. Her legislature now made an elo- 
quent appeal to Congress, declaring that the State wanted " men, 
money, arms, and military stores." 

Cornwallis's Raids. — Cornwallis daily increased these neces- 
sities. Being unable to force Lafayette into a fight, he now 
turned his attention to plundering the country. Simcoe went 
to the Point of Fork, at the junction of the Rivanna and James 
rivers, and destroyed a large supply of stores there, while Tarle- 
ton moved westAvard to capture the State government and 

legislature, which, to escape 
the enemy, had removed its 
place of meeting to Charlottes- 
ville. 
Tarleton's Expedition. — 




Tarleton stole fine Virginia 
horses for his 250 men, and 
rode hard through the coun- 
try, destroying and capturing 
as he went. The legislators 
MONTicEi-Lo, HOME OF jEiFJiKsoN. Were wamed of his coming 

and most of them escaped. Governor Jefi'erson also got away 
safely from his mountain home at Monticello. In this campaign 



THE WAR IN VIRGINIA. 



149 



of Cornwallis's $10,000,000 worth of property was destroyed, 
besides 30,000 slaves carried off. Cornwallis moved eastward 
to Williamsburg, and thence to Portsmouth. 

Washington's Successful Manoeuvres. — When Washington 
learned of the ravaging and destruction in Virginia, he manoeu- 
vred in so threatening a manner around New York that Sir 
Henry Clinton became alarmed and ordered Cornwallis to send 
him three regiments. He also directed him to occupy and 
fortify some places on the Chesapeake, where the largest war 
vessels would be able to protect him. 

Cornwallis at Yorktown. — Cornwallis, therefore, estabhshed 
himself at Yorktown, and began to fortify the heights above the 
river. Intrenchments 
were also made at 
Gloucester Point, on 
the opposite shore, 
only a mile away. 

Powerful French 
Fleet. — American 
affairs now began to 
look brighter. Colo- 
nel Laurens, of South 
Carolina, minister 
from Congress to 
Paris, had obtained a 
large loan of specie 
from France and Hol- 
land, and had per- siege of yokktown. 
suaded the French king to send another powerful fleet and large 
land force to America. Washington at once planned to drive the 
British from the Southern States. He wrote to Lafayette to pre- 
vent Cornwallis from retreating to North Carolina, and set off 
for Virginia with as many men as he could safely take. His 
movements were so made as to produce the impression that he 
intended to attack Staten Island, below New York, and General 
Clinton did not know his real purpose until he had already 




150 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

reached the Delaware River. The Northern troops were unwil- 
ling to march to relieve Virginia, and Washington borrowed sil- 
ver money from Mr. Robert Morris and Count Rochambeau to 
pay and encourage them. T\Tien he reached the Chesapeake 
Bay he learned that the Comte De Grasse was already within 
the capes with a strong fleet and a large body of French soldiers. 

General Nelson's Patriotism. — Mr. Jefferson's tei-m as gov- 
ernor of Virginia expired in June. General Thomas Nelson 
was elected by the legislature his successor, and proved the 
very man for the crisis. The legislature gave him almost abso- 
lute power, and he had collected 3,200 militia for Lafayette's 
army, and had procured from the impoverished State provisions 
enough for the army during the whole campaign. This was 
done on his personal security, and his great fortune was all 
spent in supplying the needs of his country, while his family 
was left in poverty. 

Army at Williamsburi?. — Lafayette had stationed his army 
at Williamsburg, which prevented Cornwallis from moving 
southward. Washington joined him by the middle of Septem- 
ber. In a short time 16,000 troops were assembled there — 
7,000 French, 5,500 Continentals, and 3,500 Virginia militia. 
Cornwallis found himself in great danger when he learned that 
De Grasse had driven off the English fleet. He made an unsuc- 
cessful effort to get north by way of Gloucester Point, and 
found that he was entirely cut off from escape. 

Siege of Yorktown, 1781. — A regular siege was now laid 
to Yorktown, and when the American cannon were close enough 
to fire on the town. General Washington himself put the match 
to the first gnn. Cornwallis's quarters were riddled with balls.' 

Cornwallis Surrenders, October 19, 1781.— The British 
army was exhausted and without provisions, and on October 
19th Lord Cornwallis surrendered his soldiers to General Wash- 
ington, and what ships and sailors he had to Comte De Grasse. 

iThe British were greatly sheltered by Governor Nelson's house, whieli the Ame- 
rican gunners were unwilling to injure. The governor, therefore, promised five 
guineas to the first man that would strike it. A cannon ball soon was sent crash- 
ing through the wall, and you may see the mark of it to-day. 



Washington's farewell. 151 

The number of men surrendered was 7,037. Lord Cornwallis 
was so much mortified at his defeat that he did not appear in 
person to give up his sword, but sent it instead by General 
O'Hara. Washington, thereupon, deputed General Lincoln, who 
had been forced to surrender at Charleston, to receive it. 

Rejoicing at the Tictory. — This surrender caused universal 
joy throughout the States. Washington gave great praise to 
his army, released aU soldiers who were under arrest, and had a 
thanksgiving service held in his camp. Congress also returned 
thanks to the army, and appointed a thanksgiving to God for 
His favor to their cause. 

Real End of the War. — Cornwallis's surrender proved to be 
the real end of the Revolution. England was tired of the war, 
and a treaty of peace between England and the United States 
was signed at Paris, in February, 1783. 

Washington's Farewell to His Army, 1783.— The last of 
the British left New York late in November, 1783, and the Ame- 
rican army was disbanded shortly afterwards. Washington 
issued a touching farewell, addressed to the soldiers, and took 
leave in person of the principal officers.^ Not one of them could 
speak as they pressed his hand, and many faces were bedewed 
with tears. On his way to Mt. Vernon, Washington stopped in 
Annapolis to resign his commission and settle his account 
with Congress. He would not receive any pay, only his actual 
expenses, and in them were included many special services done 
by others for the country, for which he had paid. 

United States Navy in the Revolution. — Congress had 
made some effort to raise a navy, as early as 1775, but it was 
never strong enough to protect the American shores, and by the 
close of the war its vessels were all destroyed. Still some good 
service was done on the sea by capturing British merchant 
ships, and a few of the smaller armed vessels. 

John Paul Jones. — John Paul Jones was the most success- 
ful captain in the naval service. After many efforts, he got 

1 Before the officers of the Continental army separated, they instituted the 
Society of the Cincinnati, which was to be a sort of order of knighthood, confined 
to officers of the Revolutionary army, and to descend only to their oldest sons. 



152 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

command of a clumsy ship, poorly armed, which he called Bon- 
homme Richard, in compliment to Dr. Franklin's " Poor Rich- 
ard." To protect themselves from attack, merchant vessels 
sailed under the "convoy" of one or more ships of war. Such 
a convoy was sailing out of the Baltic Sea guarded by two Eng- 
lish ships, the Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough. 

Battle Between the Serapis and the Bonhonime Rich- 
ard. — Jones met the squadron with three small ships besides 
his own, and a fierce battle ensued. The /Serapis had forty-four 
fine guns ; the crazy, old Richard forty-two worn-out cannon, 
some of which burst and did great injury to her and her crewr 
The ships came so close together that they fired into each other's 
windows. Seeing the Richard riddled with shot, the British 
captain asked Jones if he would surrender. " I have just begun 
to fight," was the bold reply. Jones then lashed his ship to the 
Serapis, which soon struck her colors. Jones at once transfer- 
red his men to her decks, and the Richard in a little while sunk 
into the waves. The Countess of Scarhorongh was also cap- 
tured, and Jones took both prizes into The Texel, in Holland, 
the next day. This gallant fight, which was seen from the Eng- 
lish coast, made Jones the hero of the time. 

Boundaries of the United States. — By the treaty of peace 
made at Paris the boundaries of the States were Canada on the 
north, the Mississippi River on the west, and the line of the 
southern limit of Georgia on the south. Between that parallel 
and the Gulf of Mexico the country belonged to the Spaniards, 
who proved troublesome neighbors for a number of years. 

Questions. — 1. What infamous general was sent against Virginia in 
1781 ? 2. What injury was done there by General Phillips ? 3. Whom 
.did Washington send to command in Virginia, and what British officer 
succeeded General Phillips? 4. What part had Virginia talien in the 
war, and what was her condition now ? 5. Tell of Cornwallis's raids. 
6. Upon what expedition did Tarleton set out, and what noted men barely 
escaped capture ? 7. What damage was done by Cornwallis, and to what 
point did he move ? 8. In what way did Washington in New York help 
the patriot cause in Virginia ? 9. At what place did Cornwallis establish 
himself ? 10. What assistance had John Laurens secured from France ? 



QUESTIONS. 153 

11. Tell of Washington's move into Virginia. 12. How did General 
Thomas Nelson show his patriotism? 13. What prevented Cornwallis's 
escape ? 14. Describe the siege of Yorktown and the firing on Governor 
Nelson's house (note). 15. When and how did Comwallis surrender? 
16. How was the news received throughout the country? 17. AVhat put 
an end to the Revolution ? 18. When and where was the treaty of peace 
signed? 19. Tell of the disbanding of the army, and of Washington's 
farewell addi'ess and return home. 20. What was the condition of the 
American navy during the war ? 21. Who was John Paul Jones, and what 
did he do ? 22. Tell the story of the battle between his ship and the Sera- 
pis. 23. What territory now belonged to the United States and what to 
Spain ? 

Authorities.— Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. IV., V., VI., \1I., VIII.; Hildretii's History of the 
United States, Vol. II., HI.; Winsor's Narrative and Critical History of the United States, Vol. V. VI.; Irvlng's 
Life of Washington ; Marsliall's Life of Washington; Campbell's History of Virginia ; 'Williamson's History of 
North Carolina; Ramsey's History of South Carolina; William Wirt Henry's Life of Patrick Henry; Row- 
land's Memoirs of George Mason : Roosevelt's Winning of the West; Tyler's Letters and Times of the Tylers; 
Hugh Blair Grigsby's Virginia Convention of 1776; Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, American Statesmen Series; 
Lee's Memoirs of the Southern Campaign , Fiske's History of the United States. 



154 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



SUMMARY FOK REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 



Cattses of the American Revolution — The Next War. — Colonies 
strtniuous for their rights ; England wishes to tax the colonies ; first cause 
of hostility: Two-penny Act ; Patrick Henrj- (note); the parson's cause, 1763; 
writs of assistance ; higher taxes; Stamp Act, 1765 ; Stamp Act opposed ; 
Congress of colonies, 1765 ; taxation without representation ; repeal of 
Stamp Act ; committees of correspondence ; an important tea party. 

Colonies in 17G0-1775. — Condition of the colonies ; education ; news- 
papers ; social conditions; life among the middle classes ; non-importation 
acts ; opposition to slavery ; settlements in Tennessee ; counties of Bote- 
tourt and Fincastle ; Daniel Boone in Kentucky, 1769 ; Kentucky settled, 
1761 ; Watauga settlement, Tennessee, 1769 ; Robertson and Sevier (note); 
Conventions in Virginia, 1769 and 1774 ; first Continental Congress, 1774; 
the minute men ; Indian war in Virginia, 1774 ; armies for defence ; battle 
of the Great Kanawha ; result of the battle ; George Rogers Clarke. 

Opening of the Revohttion, 1775. — Second Virginia Convention ; re- 
moval of the powder ; battle of Lexington, 1775 ; Israel Putnam and John 
Stark ; countiy rises everywhere ; capture of Ticonderoga ; second Conti- 
nental Congress, 1775 ; scruples of Congress overcome ; the " United Col- 
onies"; Washington commander-in-chief; battle of Bunker Hill, 1775; 
intrenchment of Breed's Hill; British prepare to attack ; repulse of British; 
Americans obliged to retreat ; opinions of the battle ; Washington takes 
command of the anny; continental line ; troops from Pennsylvania, Marj'- 
land, and Virginia; efforts to seize Canada, 1775 ; Dunraore opposed by the 
Virginia Assembly ; Convention of 1775 ; Dumnore declares war on Vir- 
ginia ; battle of Great Bridge ; the Mecklenburg Declaration, 1775; what 
South Carolina and Georgia did ; acts of Congress. 

Events of 1776. — South Carolina declares herself independent, 1776; 
North Carolinagoes farther ; bold stand of Virginia ; Virginia Convention of 
1776; first colonial flag, 1776; British driven from Boston; Washington's 
army goes to New York ; Congress appoints a committee to prepare a Decla- 
ration of Independence; Thomas Jefferson (note); Virginia Bill of Rights 
and Constitution ; Indian warfare in the South, 1776; Cherokee outbreak, 
1776; attack on Watauga ; the Cherokees defeated — peace; immigration 
to Kentucky; Kentucky county organized, 1776; defence of Charleston, 
1776; attack by the British, 1776; Sergeant Jasper (note); results of 
the victory ; the forces around New York ; battle of Long Island ; Wash- 
ington withdraws to Harlem and White Plains ; Fort Washington surren- 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 155 

dered ; disobedience of General Charles Lee : Congress removes to Balti- 
more, 1776; battle of Trenton; Washington's determination (note). 

Events of 1777. — Battle of Princeton, 1777; commissioners to France 
(note); dwindling of Washington's army; Pulaski, De Kalb, Lafayette 
(note) ; Burgoyne advances from Canada ; battles of Oriskany and Ben- 
nington, 1777; murder of Miss McCrae (note); Schuyler superseded by 
Gates ; battles near Saratoga ; Burgoyne surrenders ; Howe in the Chesa- 
peake; battles of Brandywine and Gerraantown, 1777; conspiracy against 
Washington ; sufferings at ^ alley Forge, 1777 ; inefficiency of Congress. 

Events OF 1778. — Washington at Valley Forge; recognition by France, 
1778 ; the British evacuate Philadelphia ; battle of Monmouth Courthouse, 
June 28th; General Charles Lee dismissed from the army (note) ; massacre 
at Wyoming ; destruction of the Six Nations ; coming of the French fleet ; 
British outrages ; fall of Savannah ; Clarke's plan to take the Northwest ; 
Clarke's expedition down the Ohio, 1778 ; capture of Fort Kaskaskia, 1778 ; 
the British occupy Vincennes. 

Events of 1779.— Clarke's march to Vincennes, 1779; capture of the 
fort ; Illinois county created ; Clarke's later life (note) ; British raids 
along the coast; Stony Point ; unsuccessful siege of Savannah, 1779; John 
Paul Jones; ^battle between the Serapis^ and the Bonhomme Biehard; af- 
fairs in Philadelphia ; sufferings of the soldiers. 

Events of 1780. — Return of Lafayette to America (note) ; captm-e of 
Charleston, 1780; trying time for America; disaster at Waxhaws, 1780; 
Sumter, Marion, Pickens, Clarke, Light Horse Harry Lee ; battle of Cam- 
den ; Fishing Creek, 1780 ; Gates's retreat ; rendezvous at Watauga Syca- 
more Shoals; advance on Ferguson ; battle of King's Mountain, 1780; ef- 
fect of the victory; dinner with General Marion (note); Tarleton defeated 
at Blackstoeks; Greneral Greene takes command in the South, 1780; 
treachery of Benedict Arnold, 1780; capture and execution of Andre. 

Events from 1781-1783.— Battle of the Cowpens, 1781 ; results of the 
battle; Greene's masterly retreat; battle of Guilford Courthouse, 1781; 
Greene returns to South Carolina; Emily Geiger's ride (note); battle of 
Eutaw Springs, 1781 ; devastation in Virginia, 1781 ; Lafayette in Virginia ; 
Virginia's part in the war ; Comwallis's raids ; Tarleton's expedition ; 
Washington's successful manoeuvres ; Comwallis at Yorktown ; a powerful 
French fleet; General Nelson's patriotism , army at Williamsburg ; siege of 
Yorktown, 1781 ; Comwallis surrenders October 19, 1781 ; rejoicing at the 
victory ; the real end of the war ; Washington's farewell to his army, 1783 ; 
society of the Cincinnati (note) ; boimdaries of the United States. 



156 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



UNDER THE CONSTITUTION, 1783-1861. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



CONDITION OF THE THIRTEEN STATES IN 1783— THE FEDERAL CONVEN- 
TION OF 1787. 

The Country After the Revolution. — The long war for inde- 
pendence drained the resources and crippled the industries of 
the whole country. Trade had flourished in the colonies, but 
the British fleets had destroyed so many American vessels that 
American commerce seemed dead. This was especially hard for 
the seafaring people of New England. In the Middle States, 
which were chiefly agricultural, there seemed little energy left. 
In the Southern States the crops had been destroyed, the cattle 
eaten, the horses stolen, and thousands of the negroes carried 
off. These evils were aggravated by the fact that there was no 
money in the country. 

Congress Helpless. — Congress had lost the respect of the 
people on account of its inefiiciency. "When peace came, less 
heed was paid to it than ever. It had no power to enforce laws. 
The members elected would not attend the meetings ; sometimes 
only seven States were represented. The thirteen members who 
assembled in 1784 went home in disgust, and for two months 
there was no national government whatever. 

Confederation of 1774. — A common danger in 1774 had 
united the thirteen colonies in a " friendly league " to strive for 
their independence. Under it they had given some authority 
to Congress, but had kept more for themselves. There was very 
little real friendliness and sympathy between the different sec- 
tions, and jealousies and animosities were likely to break out at 
any moment, 

Tirginia's Generosity. — The Articles of Confederation drawn 
up in. 1777 required the signatures of nine States. Maryland 



CONDITION OP THE THIRTEEN STATES. 157 

refused to sign them, unless the great territory north of the 
Ohio should become the property of the Confederation. Vir- 
ginia held that region under a threefold right. It lay between 
the parallels of latitude within which all of the continent had 
been given her by the king ; she had bought it from the Six 
Nations in 1722 ; and George Rogers Clarke had captured it 
from the English in 1779. 

Her holding and governing it in 1783 was the ground upon 
which the Treaty of Paris awarded it to the United States. Her 
claim to it could not be disputed, but when the oldest of the 
colonies saw that by keeping the Northwest for her own she 
might prevent the establishment of an American Confederacy, 
she proved her unselfish devotion to the cause of freedom, and 
bestowed this, the largest part of her dominions, upon the gen- 
eral government. The conditions attached to the magnificent 
gift were that her soldiers should be given bounty land in the 
ceded territory, and that all the States should sign the Articles 
of Confederation. Maryland signed in 1781, and Congress ac- 
cepted the Vu'ginia grant in 1784. 

First Tariff, 1784. — The fii-st important question, after 
peace was made, was how to raise money to pay the debts of the 
new nation to its soldiers and to foreign countries, and to pro- 
vide for the daily expenses of the government. For this pur- 
pose, Congress proposed what we call a tarifi" — a tax on certain 
articles brought in from other countries. Some of the States 
raised an outcry that this was unlawful taxation and refused to 
pay the duties imposed by Congress. Virginia, which was the 
largest consumer of articles named in the impost bill, instructed 
her representatives to vote for it. 

Annapolis Convention, 1786. — Virginia called a convention 
of the States to regulate trade among themselves. Representa- 
tives from the five States — N3w York, New Jersey, Delaware, 
Pennsylvania, and Virginia met at Annapolis. They were too 
few to accomplish anything definite, but they recommended that 
another convention should meet in Philadelphia to provide "a 
Federal Government adequate to the necessities of the Union." 




158 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The Federal Convention, 1787. — All of the States except 
Rhode Island responded to the call for a Federal convention. 
On the 25th of May fifty-five of the wisest and most expe- 
rienced men of thfe different States assembled in Independence 
Hall, Philadelphia. They ranged from twenty-five to eighty 
years of age. Nearly all of them had taken prominent part in 
the struggle for Independence. Twenty- 
nine of them were coUege-bred. Twenty-six 
were self-educated. George Washington and 
Benjamin Franklin, the two most famous 
among them, had never been to college. 
"Washington was fifty-five, Franklin eighty- 
one. Washington was acknowledged to be 
the purest and wisest of men. Franklin had 
JAMBS MADISON. ggrvcd his country well as a statesman, and 
was one of the ablest politicians and most accomplished scholars 
of his day. Next to these in ability were James Madison' and 
Alexander Hamilton, both young and both with their reputa- 
tions to make. 

The Convention Meets with Closed Doors. — By the 28th of 
May delegates from eight States had assembled. The conven- 
tion met, the doors were locked, and the members jjledged to 
secrecy. This pledge was faithfully kept for fifty years. After 
Mr. Madison's death his journal was published, and the par- 
ticulars as to the parties and debates in the convention became 
known to the world. 

Diiferences of Opinion. — Some members advocated three 
republics, others three presidents for one. Virginia wished to 
give most power to the larger States. New Jersey insisted that 
all should be equal in authority. There was hostility of feeling 
between the Northern States, where there were few negroes, 
and the Southern States, where they formed a large part of the 
population. But the strongest opposition was between the 
Federalists, who wished to bestow great powers upon the gen- 
eral government, and the anti-Federalists or State-rights party, 

1 James Madison did such Important work in framing this document and secur- 
ing its ratification that he has been styled the " Father of the Constitution." 



COMPROMISES. 159 

who believed that the most important powers should be retained 
by the individual States. 

First Compromise. — The smaller States naturally opposed 
the Virginia plan, and there was danger that no seven of the 
States could agree. This difficulty was settled in July by a 
compromise brought in by Connecticut. This proposed that 
there should be two houses of Congress, and that each State 
should have equal power in the Senate, while members of the 
House of Representatives should be in proportion to population. 
Members of the House should be elected by the people, one to 
every thirty thousand, while the senators were chosen by the 
legislatures. 

Second Compromise. — A hot disagreement immediately arose 
between the North and South on the question of negro represen- 
tation. South Carolina determined to leave the convention, if 
her negroes were not counted among her population. North 
Carolina and Georgia would, most likely, follow her examj)le, and 
there would not be States enough left to ratify the action of the 
convention. In this crisis, Virginia, true to her character as a 
peace-maker, proposed a second compromise. In a question of 
taxation in proportion to population, four years before, the 
North had insisted on counting the negroes as well as the whites. 
The difficulty was settled at that time by counting five negroes 
as equal to three white men. Madison reminded the convention 
of this, and the North was forced to agree to it. 

Third Compromise— Continuance of Slave-Trade. — In a 
third compromise, Virginia would take no part. South Carolina 
opposed the immediate abolition of the slave-trade. The New- 
England ship-owners made great profits by this traffic, and the 
New England States voted with South Carolina and Georgia 
that Congress should be powerless to stop it until 1808, thus 
continuing it for twenty years longer. 

Otiier Regulations. — The main features of the Constitution 
were decided by the three compromises, and other regulations 
followed. The three branches of the National Government the 
executive — the President ; the legislative — Congress ; the iudi- 



ICO BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ciary — the Supreme Court, and lower federal courts in the 
States, were settled upon, together with the manner of choosing 
them, and the poAvers entrusted to each branch. 

Signing of the Constitution, 1787. — On September 17th, 
the Constitution was signed by George Washington, the Presi- 
dent, and then by the delegations from the States, beginning 
with the East. Provisions were made for adding amendments 
to it, and the Constitution was ready to go before the people. 

Ratification of the Constitution. — The Continental Con- 
gress endorsed the action of the convention, and Delaware, 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey ratified the Constitution within a 
few weeks. Georgia, Connecticut and Massachusetts did the 
same early in 1788 ; Maryland in April; South Carolina in May; 
New Hampshire and Virginia in June ; and New York in July. 
North Carolina would not sign until late in 1789, and Rhode 
Island not until the next year. 

Fifteen Amendments. — There are fifteen amendments to the 
original Constitution. Ten of them were made in a few years 
after its inception, having been proposed by the different States to 
protect their rights and those of their citizens. Two more were 
passed early in this century, and three nearly sixty years later. 
The Constitution has been described as "the most wonderful 
work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose 
of man," and I have, therefore, been careful to give you the 
foregoing particulars. 

Questions. — 1. What was the condition of the country after the Revo- 
lution? 2. Why was Congress helpless? 3. What sort of compact was 
the Confederation of 1774? 4. How did the different sections regard each 
other ? 5. What condition did Maryland make before she would sign the 
Articles of Confederation of 1777? 6. By what right did Virginia hold the 
Northwest? 7. llow did she show her generosity in 1781, and upon what 
conditions was the grant made ? 8. What was the most important question 
after peace was made ? 9. AVhat steps were taken by Congress to secure a 
revenue? 10. IIow was the plan received by the States? 11. Tell of the 
distracted state of the countiy. 12. Why was a convention called at An- 
napolis in 1786, and what did it accomplish? 13. When and were did the 
Federal Convention meet? 14. Describe the body of men who assembled, 



Washington's administration. 161 

and tell of four distinguished members. 15. How were the meetings of the 
convention held? 16. What diffetent opinions arose among the members? 
17. What was the first compromise ? 18. What was the second ? 19. Tell 
of the third compromise. 20. What other regulations followed? 31. When 
was the Constitution signed, and for what was provision made? 22. In 
what year did the different States ratify the Constitution, and which was the 
last to do so ? 23. How many, amendments are there to the original Con- 
stitution? 24. What has James Madison been called, and why (note) ? 



CHAPTEK XXXI. 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1789-1797. 

Beginning of Constitutional Government, 1789. — The 

Continental Congress ceased to exist in the autumn of 1788, 
having first decreed that the elections for the new government 
should be held early the next year, and that the new Congress 
should meet on the first Wednesday in March. 

Northwest Territory. — The expiring Congress had done 
some work worthy of remembrance. It accepted the Northwest 
Territory from Virginia, and made judicious laws to govern it. 
It was enacted that in time the land should be divided into four 
or five States, each with the same privileges and duties as the 
original thirteen ; that slavery should not be allowed there, but 
that slaves fleeing from other States sliould be returned to their 
owners. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, "Wisconsin and part of Michi- 
gan, were formed from the Northwest Territory. 

Settling the West. — Emigration to the new country began 
at once, from New England and the Middle States, and the 
rapid development of the region was astonishing. Settlements 
west of the mountains also grew and spread, south of the Ohio. 
Washington the First President. — When the new Congress 
counted the electoral votes, it was found that George Washing- 
ton was unanimously chosen President, and John Adams, of 
Massachusetts, Vice-President. Washington's journey from Mt. 
Vernon to New York w^as like a triumphal progress. The peo- 
11 



162 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

pie crowded everywhere to welcome him. Bands of music, vol- 
leys of artillery, and the shouts of his countrymen hailed his 
coming. Philadelphia gave him a grand reception. At Tren- 
ton a procession of women and girls strewed flowers in his way 
and sang songs in his praise. 

First Inauguration, 1789. — On the 30th of April the first 
inauguration took place in the city of New York, on a balcony, 
in sight of a large crowd, which shouted, " Long live George 
Washington, President of the United States." After delivering 
his inaugural address, the President and Congress went to St. 
Paul's church, where Bishop Prevost held service for them. 

First Federal Congress, 1789. — The first Congress under 
the Constitution, proceeded to exercise the powers committed 
to it by that document. It estabhshed the three Dei3artment8 
of State, of War, and of the Treasury. The other departments 
now represented in the President's Cabinet were created at 
later periods. The Federal judiciary, the Supreme Court, with 
John Jay as Chief Justice, and inferior tribunals were created. 
The salaries of the difi'erent Federal officers were regulated, and 
made so small, under an idea of republican simplicity, that they 
scarcely paid the necessary expenses of living. 

A Second Tariff. — The simplest way to provide means for 
carrying on the government seemed to be by a tax or "duty" 
upon goods imported from foreign countries. And here 
the various interests of different sections of the country pro- 
duced wide differences of opinion. All were willing for a small 
duty on everything imported, but the proposition to tax some 
things at a higher rate called out a strong sectional feeling. 
New England exchanged her fish in the West Indies for mo- 
lasses and rum, and very often made a double profit by buying 
negroes in Africa for the rum and selling them to the South 
Carolina and Georgia planters. She, therefore, opposed a high 
duty on molasses and rum. The Middle States wished to pro- 
tect their "infant industries" by a heavy tax on steel, u-onware, 
and paper from abroad. They also agreed with New England 
in urging a high tonnage or tax on foreign ships, to encourage 



Hamilton's financial policy. 163 

their trading and ship-building. The Southern States, on the 
other hand, considered both protective duties and high tonnage 
as contrary to their interests. European goods brought to them 
by foreign ships in exchange for their staple crops of tobacco, 
rice, and indigo, were better and cheaper than the same things 
made in America. Both revenue and tonnage bills were finally 
passed b}^ an agreement between Hamilton and Jefferson that 
the Southern members would vote for them on condition that 
the national capital should be established on the banks of the 
Potomac. 

Hamilton's Financial Policy, 1790. — Washington had ap- 
pointed Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury. He 
proposed, at the second session of Congress, a 
plan for establishing the public credit, and a 
strong financial policy. The general government 
was to assume the debts of the different States 
and fund them — that is, should issue bonds as 
payment of the principal, the holders of which 
should receive interest upon them regularly. '^^ 
Th^ North favored these measures, but the South 
thought that assuming the State debts was unfair Hamilton. 
to those States which had already paid much of what they 
owed. The funding bill also found small favor in the South. 

Quakers Petition for the Abolition of Slavery. — To add to 
the dissensions in Congress, the Pennsylvania Quakers sent a 
petition to Congress to abolish slavery in the States immedi- 
ately. All the States except Massachusetts still practiced 
slavery. Several of them had, however, enacted that it should 
cease at a certain time, and all of them,except South Carolina 
and Georgia, had prohibited slaves from foreign countries to be 
brought into their borders. The feeling that one section of the 
country ought not to interfere with the rights of another was 
strong. A committee on the abolition petition, composed of 
six Northern members and one Virginian, brought in a report 
" that Congress had no authority to interfere in the emancipa- 




164 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

tion of slaves, or in the treatment of them in any of the States," 
which was accepted by Congress.' 

St. Clair's Defeat, 1791.— The Indians in the Northwest, 
incited by the British, and by them supplied with arms and 
powder, became very hostile, and General St. Clair marched 
against them with a force of militia and regulars. On Novem- 
ber 4:th, the Indians surprised and attacked his camp on St. 
Mary's Creek, and struck such terror into the militia that the 
bravery of the regulars was unable to prevent an immediate 
and panic-stricken retreat. The fugitives abandoned everything 
to the Indians and fled a distance of twenty-nine miles before 
sunset. Nine hundred men were lost in the encounter, six 
hundred of whom were killed on the spot. 

Re-election of Washington and Adams, 1792. — AYashing- 
ton was again unanimously elected President and Adams had 
a majority of votes for Vice-President. Both were inaugurated 
on March 4, 1793. 

War with Engliind Threatened, 1793. — France declared 
war against Great Britain and Holland in April of this year. 
As the French assistance had aided the Americans to establish 
their independence there was a strong feeling that now the young 
republic should stand by France as she had stood by them. 
But Washington knew that the United States were in no condi- 
tion to undertake another war, and he issued a proclamation of 
neutrality and forbade American citizens to take any part in the 
contest. 

Attack on the President. — The friends of France now 
heaped abuse uj^on the President for thwarting their desire to 
take sides with her. They went so far as to accuse him of sym- 
pathizing with the English, and of desiring to make himself a 
king. 

Citizen Genet. — Citizen Genet, the French minister, pre- 

> Between the sessions of Congress, the President visited New England, where 
he was received with much enthusiasm, and also made a tour through the South- 
ern States, and selected the site for the national capital, named in his honor. 
When the census was taken in 1790, there were found to be nearly 4,000,000 of peo- 
ple. Virginia contained one-filth of the number, and Pennsylvania, the next 
most populous State, one-ninth. 



jay's treaty INDIAN WAR. 165 

sumed on this opposition to the President to violate the neu- 
trality proclamation by fitting out privateers in Americans ports, 
and bringing their prizes into American waters. When he was 
informed that his proceedings would not be allowed, he actually 
addressed insulting language to "Washington himself. Where- 
upon the President requested the French government to recall 
Genet. The French republic then dismissed the American min- 
ister, Gouverneur Morris. 

American Ships Stopped by the British. — As neutral ves^ 
sels were allowed to trade in French ports, American ships did 
a profitable business in carrying supplies thither. British crui- 
sers were ordered to stop all such vessels, and also to search 
any ships for Englishmen who might be found on them. These 
outrages upon American vessels came very near bringing on a 
war. 

Jay's Treaty, 1794. — Washington averted the danger by lay- 
ing an embargo — that is, prohibiting any vessel to sail from an 
American port for thirty days — and sending Chief-Justice Jay 
to England to negotiate for the protection of American rights. 
Jay succeeded in making a treaty which, though not entirely sat- 
isfactory, was better than plunging into war. The President 
signed the treaty and the Senate ratified it. The country was 
very indignant over it, abused Washington roundly, and burnt 
Jay in eifigy. 

Indian War, 1794. — General Wayne, who had succeeded 
General St. Clair in the Northwest, found himself forced to ac- 
tive operations against the hostile Indians. He finally routed 
them near the Maumee River and induced them to make peace. 

Whiskey Insurrection, 1794. — A direct tax had been laid 
upon spirituous liquors. Whiskey distillers abounded in the 
Pennsylvania mountains, who banded together to resist the col- 
lection of this tax. Washington's proclamation failed to induce 
obedience to the laws, and he called out a large militia force, the 
command of which was given to General Henry Lee — " Light 
Horse Harry." The approach of this formidable force awed the 
rebellious whiskey men into submission to the laws. 



106 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Wiisliington's Farewell to the People, 1796. — Washinj^^ton 
declined to be elected a third time. His Farewell Address to the 
people of the United States was received with great devotion. 
At the end of his second term, March 4, 1797, he retired to pri- 
vate life at Mount Vernon, where he died on December 14, 1799, 
beloved and honored by his countrymen and admired by the 
civilized world. 

Yermont .and Kentucky, 1791 and 1792. — Vermont was 
admitted to the Union in 1791. She had called herself a State 
for several years, and now, by the consent of New York and 
New Hampshire, each of which claimed part of her territory, 
she was acknowledged to be independent. Kentucky, with the 
consent of Virginia, became a State on June 1, 1792. 

Questions. — 1. What decrees did the Continental Congress make? 2. In 
1788, just before it expired, what regulations were made as to the Northwest 
Territoiy? 3. What States were formed from that Territory' ? 4. Tell of emi- 
gration to that region. 5. When did the government under the new Con- 
stitution begin ? 6. Name the first President and Vice-President. 7. De- 
scribe Washington's journey to New York. 8. Give the particulars of his 
inauguration. 9. What work was done by the first Federal Congress? 
10. What seemed the easiest way to raise a revenue? 11. How did the 
New England, Middle and Southern States differ about a protective tariff? 

12. Upon what condition were the revenue and tonnage bills passed? 

13. What was Hamilton's financial policy? 14. What petition was brought 
into Congress by the Pennsylvania Quakers? 15. AVliere did slavery exist 
in the United States at this time ? Ifi. What report did Congress accept on 
this Abolition petition ? 17. How many inhabitants had the United States 
in 1790 (note) ? 18. Which were then the two most populous States (note)? 
19. What tours did Washington make between the sessions of Congress 
(note) ? 20. When and where was General St. Clair sent against the In- 
dians, and with what result? 21. Tell of the second election for President 
and Vice-President. 22. Why was there danger of war with England in 
1793? 23. What stand did Washington take? 24. Of what did the friends of 
France accuse him? 25. Tell of citizen Genet, and of the action of the 
President. 2(). What injustice did England commit upon Anleri(?an vessels? 
27. How was the danger of war with England averted ? 28. Who finally 
routed the Indians in the Northwest, and made peace ? 29. What was che 
Whiskey Insurrection, and how was it put down? 30. Tell of Washington's 
Farewell Addreas, and of the closing years of his life. 31. When did Ver- 
mont and Kentucky become States ? 



JOHN ADAMS's ADMINISTRATION. 



167 



CHAPTER XXXII. 




JOHN ADAMS. 



JOHN ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION— PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY. 

Administration of John Adams, 1797-1801.— John 
Adams, of Massachusetts, was elected second President of the 
United States and Thomas Jefferson Vice- 
President. Any one coming after Washing- 
ton would have been at a disadvantage, and 
Adams was by no means as wise as his pre- 
decessor. 

Threatened Difficulty with France. — 
The principal trouble was with France, 
which took great offence at American neu- 
trahty, and assumed a threatening attitude 
towards the United States. But Napoleon Bonaparte soon be- 
came the French leader, and made a treaty with them. 

Alien and Sedition Laws. — When the quarrel was hottest 
Congress passed an "alien law," which authorized the Presi- 
dent to send out of the country any foreigner who was acting 
against the government ; and a " sedition law," which forbade 
publishing anything abusive of the government officers. Both 
acts were pronounced unconstitutional by 
Virginia and Kentucky, and their passage 
made President Adams ,very unpopular. 

Chief- Justice Marshall.— In 1800, just 
before his term of office expired, Mr. Adams 
appointed John Marshall, of Virginia, to the 
office of chief- justice, which he filled with 
great wisdom for thirty-five years. 
Progress of the Country — Tennessee 
Becomes a State, 1796. — Let us now look at the progress of 
the country since the beginning of the Revolution. Tou have 
seen Vermont become a State in 1791, and Kentucky in 1792. 
Tennessee was admitted in 1796, and in 1800 the Northwest 
Territory was divided into the territories of Ohio and Indiana. 




JOHN MARSHALL. 



168 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Increase of Population. — The increase of the number of 
states was caused by the increase of population. The 3,000,000 
people in 1774 had grown to more than 5,000,000 by 1800. In 
the new States of Kentucky and Tennessee the number of set- 
tlers trebled in ten years' time, and this immigration was mainly 
from Virginia and North Carolina. Very few foreigners came 
into the country during this period, and the increase of popu- 
lation was wholly American. 

Material Development. — The commerce of the country and 
the development of its resources kept pace with the increase of 
population. For nearly forty years coal had been mined for 
fuel near Richmond, Virginia, from the hills around Pittsburg, 
and at Tiverton, New Jersey. A company now began to mine 
and sell the anthracite coal of the Lehigh Valley, in Pennsylva- 
nia. Good communication with the western country was im- 
portant, and State legislatures and Congress began to consider 
the necessity for making good roads. This was easy in the 
rocky, hill country, but very difficult in the lowlands, where no 
stone was to be found. For a long time the best road in the 
States was the Lancaster turnpike from Philadelphia. 

Whitney's Cotton-Oin.— Before the year 1800, 2,060 Ameri- 
can patents were issued. One of these, the cotton-gin invented 
by Eli Whitney,' exerted an immense influence upon the indus- 
tries and destinies of the nation. The invention was received 
with great favor, and cotton became the staple crop, bringing 
immense wealth to the Southern States. Cotton factories sprang 
up along the swift rivers of New England. Slave labor to cul- 
tivate the white fibres became of great importance to them. 
The outcry against the sin of slavery died down, and northern 
emigrants to the South did not scruple to become slave-owners. 

Seat of Government Removed to Washington, 1800. — In 
the summer of this year Washington became the seat of gov- 

1 Ell Whitney, from Connecticut, was living in Georgia in the family of Gen- 
eral Nathaniel Greene. The labor of getting the fibre of the cotton free from the 
seed was great, and Mrs. Greene one day suggested to young Wliitney that he 
might invent a machine to simplify the work. Acting on this, Whitney invented 
his first cotton-gin, which cleaned out the seed from 300 pounds of cotton in a day, 
during which time a negro woman could only " pick " one pound. 



EDUCATION AND LITERATURE — CHURCHES. 169 

ernment. The city was a straggling collection of indifferent 
buildings, with the half-finished capitol at one end and the 
President's House at the other. 

Education and Literature. — There had been great advance 
in education and literature. There were now twenty-three col- 
leges — nine in the Southern States, six in the Middle States, six 
in New England and two in Kentucky. The thirty-seven news- 
papers of 1776 had increased to 200, published from Maine to 
Georgia. Kentucky, Tennessee and the village of Cincinnati 
had rude printing presses and newspapers. 

Growth of the Churches. — The religious freedom guaran- 
teed by the Constitution and the laws of the different States 
awoke the churches to new life. The various forms of Protest- 
antism asserted themselves with vigor, and Sunday-schools be- 
came numerous. This is specially remarkable, because French 
opinions and the infidel writings of Tom Paine, which strove to 
undermine Christianity, had become quite fashionable among 
many who professed to be very much enlightened. 

Questions. — 1. Who were the second President and Vice-President of 
the United States, and how long did they continue in office ? 2. How did 
Mr. Adams compare with Washington ? 3. Why did France assume a 
threatening attitude, and how was the trouble averted? 4. What were 
the Alien and Sedition laws? 5. What States pronounced them vmcon- 
stitutional ? 6. How long was John Marshall Chief Justice of the United 
States ? 7. When did Tennessee become a State ? 8. What two Territo- 
ries were created in the Northwest in 1800 ? 9. Tell of the increase of 
population. 10. How did material development keep pace with this in- 
crease? 11. What subject now engaged the attention of Congress and the 
State Legislatures ? 12. What is the cotton-gin, and who invented it? 
13. What effect did it have upon the coimtry ? 14. When did Washington 
become the seat of government, and what sort of a place was it ? 15. What 
advance had been made in education and in newspapers ? 16. What awoke 
the churches to new life, and why was this especially remarkable ? 



170 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTER XXXin. 

JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1801-1809. 

Jefferson Becomes President, 1801. — When the electoral 
vote was counted in December, 1800, there was a tie between 
Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, and Aaron Burr, of New York. 
The House of Representatives decided to make Jefferson Pres- 
ident, and Burr Vice-President, and they were inaugurated in 
Washington on March 4, 1801. Jefferson was a sincere Demo- 
crat ; he believed that the people should govern themselves, but 
that while the will of the majority should prevail, the minority 
should never be tyrannized over. This principle he laid down 
in his first inaugural address. 

Purchase of Louisiana, 1803. — To secure possession of the 
Mississippi River, Mr. Jefferson, in 1803, purchased from France, 
for $15,000,000, a part of the territory of Louisiana which had 
been ceded to her by Spain.* It doubled the extent of the 
United States, and furnished them with water communication 
from the Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Opposition of New En;[;land to Louisiana Purchase. — New 
England opposed the purchase of Louisiana, because she thought 
it would give more power to the South than to the North. 
Hostility to the President and his measures went so far that 
some of the leaders seriously advised that New England should 
secede from the Union and set up a separate republic. 

War With Tripoli, 1803.— The piratical States on the 
coast of Africa levied tribute in money on all vessels entering 
the Mediterranean Sea. The United States had thus paid trib- 
ute to Algiers. The Bashaw of Tripoli now demanded a simi- 
lar payment. Mr. Jefferson had never approved of the policy. 
Instead of paying Tripoli, he declared war upon her, and sent 

1 It comprised the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as far east as 
Mobile, and the country west of the Mississippi from its mouth to Canada, and 
westward to the Rocky Mountains. 




Jefferson's administration. 171 

Commodore Preble with four ships of war to overawe the Bar- 
bary States/ In 1806 Tripoli made a treaty promising to let 
American ships alone. 

Explorations of Lewis and Clarke, 1804.— In 1804 Mr. 
Jefferson, with the consent of Congress, sent a small party, led 
by two of his Albemarle neighbors, Meri- 
wether Lewis and "William Clarke, a younger 
brother of George Kogers Clarke, to explore 
the unknown regions of the West. Under 

instructions drawn up by Jefferson himself, 

they pushed their way up the Missouri, and ^^^^^S^^^^A^ 
through the many mountains of the North- 
west until they reached the Pacific slope. 
They followed the rivers, which bear their decatuk. 

name, until the two became the Columbia River, down which they 
went to the Pacific Ocean. Exploring this vast region for two 
years and four months, they made their way back to the village 
of St. Louis, in September, 1806. Captain Gray, of Massachu- 
setts, had sailed his ship into the Columbia in 1792, so that a 
double discovery gave the Oregon territory to the United States. 

Duel Between Hamilton and Burr. — Notwithstanding his 
unpopularity in New England, Mr. Jefferson was re-elected in 
1804, George Clinton being chosen Vice-President.^ 

Commercial Troubles.— During Jefferson's second term, 
war was raging in Europe; England, France and Spain made 

^In chasing a pirate vessel into the harbor of Tripoli, the frigate Philadelphia, 
commanded by Captain Bainbridge, ran aground. The pirates captured her and 
made slaves of the captain and crew, 300 men. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, with 
seventy-six picked men, sailed a small schooner into the harbor at night, set fire 
to the Philadelphia, destroyed her completely, and got back to his ship without 
losing a man. 

2 Aaron Burr attributed his non-election to Alexander Hamilton's influence, 
picked a quarrel with him, and challenged him to fight a duel. Hamilton was 
opposed to duelling, but had not moral courage to decline the customary mode of 
settling disputes. Burr was a fine shot, and inflicted a mortal wound upon Hamil- 
ton, who fired his pistol in the air. He fell at the age of forty-seven, a victim to 
an evil custom, and a false idea of honor. Killing his antagonist did not make 
Burr any more contented. Before long, it was believed he was forming a con- 
spiracy to set up a new government in the Southwest, and make himself king or 
dictator of it. He was arrested and tried for treason in Richmond, Virginia, but 
there was little evidence of guilt found against him. 



172 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

laws injurious to American commerce. The President followed 
Washington's policy of neutrality. This did not protect Ame- 
rican vessels. The British were especially offensive in boarding 
them and carrying off their sailors under pretense that they 
were English. The British frigate Leopard, with fifty guns, 
in 1807, attacked the American man-of-war, Chesapeake, with 
thirty-eight guns, near the coast, and took four sailors from her. 
For this outrage, Mr. Jefferson ordered all British ships to leave 
American ports, and forbade American ships to do so. New 
England, angry that her trade should be restricted, again made 
loud threats of disunion, and evaded the law. The embargo 
was repealed in 1809. 

Establishment of the University of Virginia. — Jefferson 
would not listen to any proposition for a third term of office, 
but retired to private life, at his home at Monticello, where he 
spent the remainder of his days. By his efforts and influence 
the University of Virginia was established and chartered in 1819, 
with himself as first rector. 

Ohio Becomes a State, 1802.— On April 30, 1802, Ohio was 
admitted as the seventeenth State of the American Republic, 
and in February, 1809, the Indiana Territory was divided, the 
part west of the Wabash forming the territory of lUinois. 

Fulton's Steamboat, 1807.— In 1807 Robert Fulton put a 
steamboat upon the Hudson River, the first of many, which, in 
a few years, increased the facilities for trade and travel on all 
the large rivers of the United States, and which are now found 
in all parts of the world. ^ 

QuE8TioN8. — 1. Who were elected President and Vice-President in 1800? 
2. What principle did the President lay down in his inaugural address ? 
2. What great purchase did Mr. Jefferson make in 1803? 4. What regions 
did Louisiana then contain ? 5. What advantages did the country gain by 

1 Twenty years before this time, In 1787, John Fitch, of Connecticut, and .lames 
Rumsey.of Shepherdstown, in Virginia, had each conceived the idea that boats 
could be propelled by steam. Fitch put a steamboat on the Delaware in August, 
1787, where It was seen and admired by members of the Federal Convention. Rum- 
sey's boat made a trial trip on the Potomac River, at Shepherdstown, in December 
of the same year. These two men deserve credit as the original projectors of the 
steamboat. 



Madison's administration. 173 

its purchase ? 6. Tell of the opposition of New England to the Louisiana 
purchase ? 7. What brought on war with Tripoli ? 8. What is the story 
of the Philadelphia and Lieutenant Decatur (note) ? 9. Describe the explora- 
tions of Lewis and Clarke. 10. Who had sailed into the Columbia River in 
1792? 11. Who were elected President and Vice-President in 1804? 12. Tell 
of the duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr (note). 13. What is the 
story of Bvu-r's conspiracy (note)? 14. What commercial troubles now 
arose ? 15. What outrage did the British perpetrate upon the man-of-war 
Chesapeake? 16. What were Mr. Jefferson's orders in consequence, and 
how did New England receive them ? 17. How was land obtained from the 
Indians ? 18. What became of Mr. Jefferson after his second term of office ? 
19. How was he connected with the University of Virginia ? 20. When 
did Ohio become a State ? 21. When was the Indiana Territory divided, 
and into what ? 22. Who made the first successful steamboat ? Tell of 
Fitch and Rumsey (note). 23. Find the places on the map. 



CHAPTER XXXrV. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION— WAR OF 1812. 

Madison's Administration, 1809-1817.— Like Washington 
and Jefferson, James Madison, of Virginia, was twice elected, 
and was President from 1809 to 1817. The commercial trou- 
bles of the country continued during the first years of his ad- 
ministration, and war with England be- 
came more and more threatening. 

Battle of Tippecanoe, 1811. — The 
country along the Wabash was greatly 
alarmed by an Indian uprising under two 
Shawnee chiefs, Tecumseh and his brother 
Elkswatawa, the Prophet; and Governor 
William Henry Harrison with 1,000 men 
advanced against the Prophet's town at tecumseh. 

Tippecanoe on November 8 th. In Tecumseh's absence, the 
Prophet asked for a conference and truce, which were granted 
him. The Indians broke the truce and attacked Harrison's 
camp in the night, hoping to surprise and overcome him, but 




174 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the whites drove the Indians off with their bayonets. They 
were victorious, and burned the Prophets town, which the 
Indians had deserted. 

War Against Engltind, 1812. — "VMien Congress met, a large 
majority of the members were eager to declare war against Eng- 
land. New England opposed it earnestly. Preparations were, 
however, made for it. The army was increased. The President 
was empowered to receive 50,000 volunteers, and to call out the 
militia. Vessels of the navy were to be fitted out, and merchant 
ships allowed to arm themselves. To allow time for these war- 
like measures, an embargo was laid, on April -ith, and on June 
8th war was formally declared. 

Engagements on Sea and Land. — The land operations of 
the year were everywhere unsuccessful. General Hull, at De- 
troit, surrendered the whole Michigan Territory to Tecumseh 
and the British general, Brock, without firing a gun or even 
stipulating that his garrison should be treated with the honors 
of war. At sea the American vessels achieved brilliant suc- 
cesses. The United States ship Constitution captured the 
British frigate GuerriPre off the Gulf of St. Lawrence, after a 
fight of two hours. This made a great sensation, as no British 
frigate had ever surrendered before. Two other British ships, 
the Frolic and the Macedonian, were taken at sea; and the 
Constitution^ "Old Ironsides," destroyed another frigate, the 
tTava, off the coast of Brazil. Three hundred prizes were also 
taken by the privateers. England was accustomed to rule at 
sea, and was astonished to find her vessels and seamen over- 
powered by the Americans. Congress made appropriations to 
increase the navy and build larger ships. Small war-vessels 
were also rapidly constructed on the Lakes. 

Battles of 1813. — I can only tell you of the principal events 
of this year. Winchester's detachment of 1,000 men, of Harri- 
son's army, was surprised at Raisin River, in January, and forced 
to surrender to a body of British and Indians. The British gen- 
eral, Proctor, permitted the Indians to murder many of them. 
Captain James Lawrence in command of the Chesapeake ac- 



Madison's administration. 175 

cepted a challenge from Captain Broke of the British frigate 
Shannon to a fight between their ships. In the contest, Law- 
rence was mortally wounded, and though with his dying breath 
he exclaimed, " Don't give up the ship," the Chesapeake was 
captured and taken to Halifax as a prize. This blow was coun- 
terbalanced by a brilliant victory on Lake Erie. AVith great dif- 
ficulty, a fleet of small vessels had been built, by Captain Oliver 
H. Perry, at the town of Erie. At last it was ready, and Perry 
ofiered battle to the British squadron on September 10th, ten 
miles north of Put-in-Bay. His flagship, the Lawrence, being 
riddled with shot, Perry went in a little boat to the Niagara, 
where he hoisted his pennant, closed in with the enemy and 
won the victory in eight minutes. He announced his success to 
General Harrison on the back of an old letter. " We have met 
the enemy, and they are ours — two ships, two brigs, one 
schooner and one sloop." 

Battle of the Thames. — This victory made it practicable 
for Harrison to advance. Volunteers from Ohio and 3,600 
mounted Kentuckians, under Governor Shelby, 
had joined him, and he pressed forward with 
the watchword, "Remember the River Raisin." 
Perry's fleet and the captured ships carried 
the Americans across to Canada, where, on 
October 6th, he overcame the British and their 
Indian allies, strongly posted on the River 
Thames. This victory broke the Indian power, 
restored Michigan to the United States, and harkison. 

gave General Harrison a high reputation. Tecumseh was killed 
in the fight, report said, by Colonel Johnson, of Kentucky. 

Fort Minims, Alabama, 1813. — The Creeks and Seminoles 
had been stirred up by Tecumseh. They were encouraged to 
rise by the omens of a comet and an earthquake, and assumed 
a threatening attitude. The alarmed settlers fled for protection 
to Fort Mimms, a stockade fort on the upper AlabaDj.a River. 
The Creeks attacked them on August 30th, set the fort on fire, 
and butchered or roasted 400 of the hapless whites. 




176 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Horse-Shoe Bend, 1813. — An army for defence was hastily 
gathered from the neighboring States, with which General An- 
drew Jackson defeated the Creeks decisively at Horse-Shoe 
Bend. Their half-breed leader, Weathersford, was captured, 
and their power broken. 

Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, 1814. — In July the Ameri- 
cans, under command of Generals Jacob Brown and Winfiel I 
Scott, defeated the British at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, near 
Niagara, but without any lasting advantage. 

British Attacks on the Coast, 1814. — The British had 
declared a blockade of the American coast, and now began to 
attack and burn defenceless places. There were no American 
vessels large enough to prevent their going where they pleased. 
Admiral Cockburn entered the Chesapeake, landed 5,000 men, 
under General Ross, and marched on Washington, meeting 
only a feeble resistance on the way. 

Burning of Washington, 1815. — President Madison and 
the cabinet left the city. General Ross proceeded to destroy 
whatever was valuable. All government buildings, except the 
Patent Office, were burned, and many private residences. 

McDonough's Victory, 1814. — Twelve thousand British 
advanced from Canada, under General Prevost, at the same 
time with the attack on the coast. Plattsburg, on Lake Cham- 
plain, was held by McDonough with fourteen ships. Captain 
Downie brought sixteen British ships, with larger guns, against 
them on September 11th. As the enemy approached him, Mc- 
Donough knelt on the deck of his ship and 
prayed that God would grant him victory. 
After a severe fight the British fleet surren- 
dered, whereupon the English general aban- 
doned an attack on land, and withdrew, leaving 
his disabled men, his guns and stores. 
General Jackson Fortifies New Orleans. 
ANDREW JACKSON. Thc strongest effort of the enemy was made 
in the South. General Andrew Jackson, being placed in com- 
mand at New Orleans, called on the neighboring States to send 




MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. 



177 



him all the militia they could raise and arm. He then proceeded 
to throw up breastworks of cotton bales and swamp mud, behind 
which he posted his 7,000 militia. 

Battle of New Orleans, 1815. — Sir Edward Packenham 
brought 12,000 British veterans against New Orleans, and made 
an attack on Jackson on both sides of the river in the early 
morning of January 8th. Jackson's army was composed almost 
entirely of militia and volunteers, but all of them were expert 
marksmen; 2,500 Kentuckians had come only a day or two be- 








BATTLE OF NEW OULEAN; 



fore. On the west side of the river, the attack was made suc- 
cessfully. On the east side, the Americans reserved their fire 
until Paekenham's advance was within two hundred yards, and 
then poured a storm of bullets into it, while Jackson's nine 
cannon cut them down with grape-shot and canister. One after 
another of the British generals was killed, Packenham among 
them. Two thousand British soldiers had fallen, and Lambert 
ordered a retreat. Jackson's loss was only seventy-five, but he 
was not strong enough to pursue the invaders. This victory 
12 



178 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

made him the idol of the people. News of it and of a treaty of 
peace with England, which had been signed at Ghent, Decem- 
ber 2-4, 1814, were received at Washington at almost the same 
time. In tins war the young republic showed herself able to 
hold her own, and the courage and patriotism of her sons was 
fully proved. 

New England, 1815. — The whole country was weary of war, 
and New England even talked of making a separate peace foi 
herself.^ 

The Barbary States Chastised, 1815. — War always causes 
debt. A National Bank was established to defray it, and another 
tariff to protect national industries. The navy became a pet of 
the nation, and its usefulness was proved by Commodore De- 
catur against the arrogant Barbary States. Sailing through the 
Straits of Gibraltar in June, he captured two Algerine frigates 
and forced Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis to sign treaties of peace, 
give up their American captives, and cease meddling with Ameri- 
can ships. 

Louisiana and Indiana Become States. — Louisiana was 
admitted into the Union in 1812, and Indiana in 1816. 

Questions. — 1. During what years was James Madison President? 

2. What was the condition of the country during most of that time ? 

3. Wlio were the leaders in the Indian war of 1811? 4. Describe the bat- 
tle of Tippecanoe. 5. What preparations were made for war with Eng- 
land, and when was it declared ? 6. What part of the country opposed the 
war ? 7. What was the difference of success on the land and on the sea ? 
8. What occurred at Raisin River? 9. Describe the fight between the 
C/iempeal-e and the Shannon. 10. Describe the great victory on Lake Erie 
which counterbalanced this disaster. 11. What can you tell of the battle 
of the Thames, and the death of Tecumseh ? 12. What took place at Fort 
Minims, in Alabama, in 1813? 13. How was this butchery avenged? 
14. Tell of the fights at Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. 15. How did the 
British behave along the coast ? 16. Describe the burning of Washington 

'A convention of ultra-Federalists from the New England States met at Hart- 
ford on Dccembei*^ 15th to form some plan of opposition to the national govern- 
ment. The proceedings of the convention excited the distrust and alarm of their 
fellow-citizens, and the Democratic papers denounced it violently. It passed arro- 
gant resolutions, whicli produced no results except to disgrace its members and 
destroy the Federalist party. 



Monroe's administration. 179 

in 1814. 17. Tell of McDonough's victory at Plattsburg. 18. What city 
in the South was now fortified, and by what Southern general? 19. De- 
scribe the battle of New Orleans. 20. What were the results of this war? 
21. When did the Hartford convention meet, and for what purpose? 
23. What effect was produced by it upon the country ? 23. How were the 
Barbary States punished by Commodore Decatur ? 24. When did Louisi- 
ana and Indiana become States ? 25. Look on the map for all the places 
mentioned. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION, 1817-1825— JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S ADMINIS- 
TRATION. 

James Monroe, President, 1817.— The fifth President of' 
the United States was another Virginian, who, Hke those who 
preceded him, was twice elected and filled 
the office for eight years. ^ Monroe cannot 
be called a great man, but he took coun- 
sel with Jefferson and Madison and made 
a judicious and successful President. 

"Era of Good Feeling." — No new 
party had arisen to take the place of the 
old Federalist party, and such harmony 
prevailed throughout the nation that the 
first years of the administration were called 
the " era of good feeling." ^^"^^ moneoe. 

Pirates and Indians in the South.— Nests of pirates shel- 
tered themselves among the islands and bays of Florida and 
Texas, held by the Spaniards, where they were attacked and 
broken up. The Seminole Indians in Florida also became hos- 
tile, and committed outrages and murders in Alabama and 
Georgia. General Andrew Jackson was directed to raise troops 
in Tennessee and the nearest States to suppress the Seminoles. 
With 1,000 whites and a brigade of friendly Indians he drove 

iQld President Adams was very indignant, and said, " My son will never have 
a chance until the last Virginian is laid in the graveyard." 




180 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the invaders into the swamps of Florida. Jackson believed that 
the Spaniards had incited the Seminoles to their savage deeds. 
He therefore seized the Spanish posts at Fort St. Marks and 
Pensacola, and ordered General Gaines to capture St. AuUgus- 
tine. This order was, however, countermanded at Washington, 
and the captured posts were restored to Spain. 

Jackson's Popularity. — In undoing what he had done, the 
government had to be careful not to offend General Jackson, 
who was a passionate, sensitive man. By this time he had be- 
come extremely popular; the epithets of "Hero of New 
Orleans " and " Savior of the South " were applied to him, and 
people made almost as much fuss over him as they had formerly 
done over General "Washington. 

Florida Ceded to the United States, 1819.— Mr. Jeffer- 
son had tried to purchase Florida, when he bought Louisiana, 
but Spain had refused to sell it. Now she agreed to give it up, 
if the United States would abandon their claim to Texas, and 
would pay $5,000,000 to certain persons who claimed that sum 
as a debt from Spain. Florida was made a territory with Gen- 
eral Andrew Jackson as the first governor. 

Admission of Mississippi, 1817; Illinois, 1818; Ala- 
bama, 1819. — In the seven years from the beginning of the 
war of 1812, five new States were added to the Union. Lou- 
isiana, in 1812 ; Indiana, 1816 ; Mississippi, 1817 ; Illinois, 1818; 
Alabama, 1819. Immigration from Europe 
began, and in the South and Northwest the 
population increased rapidly. 

"The American System." — Easy com- 
munication with the remote parts of the coun- 
try became most important. Many people 
P^ thought that the national government should 
make roads and canals in those sections 
through which no rivers ran which were large 
HENEY CLAY. enough to float steamboats. Others believed 
that this was beyond the province of the government, and that 
each State must regulate roads and canals within its borders. 




Monroe's administration. 181 

Clay was the leading advocate of the first idea, and one fine 
road — " The National Koad " — was made from Washington to 
"Wheeling. Clay also favored a duty on foreign goods high 
enough to force the Americans to buy articles manufactured at 
home. The two principles of " internal improvements" and "a 
protective tarifi"" were combined into the "American System," 
and gave rise to new political parties. 

Sectional Hostility, 1820. — Missouri apphed to be admit- 
ted into the Union in 1820, and an exhibition of strong sectional 
hostility was the immediate result. The increase of Southern 
States and Southern votes in Congress was most unwelcome to 
New England, but any outburst of ill-feeling had been prevented 
by the way in which the States had, up to this time, come into 
the Union in pairs, one from the North, another from the South ; 
Vermont and Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, Louisiana and In- 
diana, Mississippi and Illinois. The last State admitted had 
been Alabama from the South, and before another one from the 
North was ready Missouri claimed admittance, and violent op- 
position, at once, arose. 

Agitation of the Slavery Question. — Congress had de- 
clared in 1793 that it had no power to interfere with slavery. 
When the cotton-gin made negro labor important to furnish cot- 
ton for the New England factories, opposition to slavery practi- 
cally ceased. Self-interest silenced scruples, and New England 
ships contrived to bring Africans to the South in spite of the 
abolition of the slave-trade. Now the question was again opened 
in the North as a strong ground on which to oppose the admis- 
sion of more Southern States. 

Southern Views of Slavery. — Many Southern people would 
gladly have abolished slavery, after the Kevolution, if they had 
known what to do with the negroes. The freed slaves in Hayti 
had proved so idle and vicious that the Southern States would 
not try a like experiment. Southern views on the subject had 
also changed. It was acknowledged that slavery had its evils, 
but these were believed to be less than the ills which would re- 
sult from any sudden abolition of it. Above aU things the South- 



182 BRIKF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

em states held that they only had a right to deal with slavery 
in their own borders, and that the non-slaveholding States had 
no right to interfere with them, and to force them into anything 
against their own will and their own interests. 

Question Ot Missouri. — The Louisiana territory had become 
part of the United States with the same legal rights guaranteed 
to its inhabitants as were possessed by citizens of tlie other 
States. Slavery was one of the existing rights, and the people 
of Missouri had no idea that any difficulty would be made about 
it. The northern half of Missouri was in the latitude of the 
southern part of the Northwest territory, in which slavery had 
been prohibited. Its southern half, however, lay on a line with 
the slave-holding States of Virginia and Kentucky. To prevent 
an increase of Southern power, Northern congressmen now de- 
clared that Missouri should not come in as a slave State, and 
that slavery should never be allowed to exist west of the Mis- 
sissippi. Some of the Northei-n States opposed this restriction, 
which they acknowledged to be a contradiction to the Constitu- 
tion, a clear violation of the rights of the people of the Louisiana 
territory when ceded by Spain, and beyond the power of Con- 
gress. Abolition societies in the North urged the congressmen 
from their sections to disregard law and justice, and to trample 
on the rights of the South. 

Missouri and Maine, 1820. — Congress adjourned without 
any decision of the question. When it re-assembled, Missouri 
and Maine each applied to come into the Union. This restored 
the balance of the States, and the Senate voted to admit both, the 
first with slavery, the second without. The House again re- 
fused to admit Missouri unless slavery was prohibited. 

Missouri Compromise— Maine Admitted, 1820 — Missouri, 
1821. — A jjeaceable solution of the difficulty seemed impossi- 
ble, but, at last, the "Missouri Compromise" was agreed to, 
which allowed Missouri to come into the Union with slavery, 
on condition that it should never again be tolex-ated in any 
region north of 36° 30', the southern boundary of the new 
State. Even after this, Missouri was forced to alter her consti- 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 183 

tution, and was not admitted to the Union until 1821, although 
Maine became a State the year before. 

Monroe Doctrine. — The Spanish States in Mexico and South 
America, following the example of the United States, had as- 
serted their right to govern themselves. The people of the 
United States felt much sympathy with them, and Congress 
and the President recognized them as independent in 1822. In 
the next year, Mr. Monroe, in his message to Congress, gave 
utterance to the "Monroe Doctrine," that America had made 
herself free and independent, and was not to be governed by any 
European power ; and that any attempt to establish a monarchy 
on the "Western Continent would be regarded by the United 
States as dangerous to their own safety. 

Steamers on the Lakes and the Ocean. — Strife in Congress 
did not hinder the increasing prosperity of the country. Long 
trains of emigrant wagons were moving across mountains and 
prairies, bearing many settlers to new homes in the west. 
Steamboats plied on all the rivers. The " Walk-in-the- Water '^ 
was launched on Lake Erie in 1818, and the next year the first 
ocean steamer, the Savannah, sailed from Georgia to England.' 
John Quincy Adams, President, 1825. — At the next elec- 
tion there were four candidates for the presidency — William H. 
Crawford, John Quincy Adams, Andrew 
Jackson, and Henry Clay — but neither one 
had votes enough to elect him. Jackson had 
the largest number, and Clay the smallest. 
Clay's friends, therefore, combined with 
Adams's and made him President. Adams 
was not the choice of the people, and be- 
came more and more unpopular.^ 
RemoTal of the Cherokees, 1826. — 
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. Therc was serious trouble threatened at 

iln 1824 the Marquis de Lafayette was brought in a government vessel to tlie 
United States as a guest of the nation. The people welcomed him with affection 
and respect. Congress presented him with $-200,000 and a tract of land in Florida, 
and sent him home after more than a year in the ship Brandywine. 

2 Adams supported the American system. He approved a protective tariff bill, 
which was so objectionable to those who thought duties for revenue alone consti- 
tutional, that it was called the " bill of abominations." 




184 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

this time between the State of Georgia and the general govern- 
ment. The Creek Indians had made a treaty with the United 
States, giving up large tracts of land in Georgia. The Senate 
had ratified the treaty, but the President declared it to be of no 
force, and proceeded to make a new one. Governor Troup, of 
Georgia, declared the first treaty valid. He had the land ceded 
by it surveyed, and intimated that he would resist Federal inter- 
ference. In the end the old treaty prevailed, the Indians yielded, 
and were moved west to a "reservation" across the Mississippi. 
They never became civilized, but only increased in idleness, 
drunkenness and other vices. To remove them seemed the 
kindest thing for both races. 

Death of Jefferson and the Elder Adams, 1826.— On the 
4th of July, 1826, the two ex-Presidents, Thomas Jefferson and 
John Adams passed away. Jefferson died about noon, at the 
age of eighty-three; Adams a few hours later, aged ninety- 
three. Ex-President Monroe also died on July 4th, five years 
later. 

Questions.— 1. "Who was elected the fifth President in 1817? 2. What 
did old President Adams say on the occasion (note) ? 3. What name was 
given to the first years of this administration ? 4. What troubles arose 
along the southern borders of the republic? 5. Who was sent to quiet 
them? 6. Tell of Jackson's popularity. 7. Under what circumstances 
was Florida ceded to the United States ? 8. Describe the growth and pros- 
perity of the country. 9. What five States were added to the Union be- 
tween 1812 and 1819 ? 10. What was meant by internal improvement and 
a protective tariff? 11. To what did these two principles give rise? 
12. What aroused great sectional hostility in 1820? 13. How had an out- 
burst of ill-feeling been prevented up to this time ? 14. What had been 
the attitude of New England towards slavery ? 15. Was slavery guaran- 
teed by the Constitution ? 16. Give the Southern views of slavery. 17. How 
did the question of Missouri affect slavei-y ? 18. What effort was made to 
prevent an increase of Southern power ? 19. How did some of the North- 
em States regard this ? 20. Upon what terms did the Senate agree that 
Maine and Missouri should become States? 21. What was the Missouri 
Compromise? 22. At what dates were Maine and Missouri admitted to 
the Union? 23. What is meant by the Monroe Doctrine ? 24. What were 
the first lake and ocean steamers ? 25. Tell of General Lafayette's visit 
to America in 1824 and 1825 (note). 26. Who was elected President in 
1825 ? 27. What trouble arose between Georgia and the general govern- 
ment in 1826 ? 28. What two noted men died on the 4th of July, 1826 ? 




Jackson's administration. 185 



CHAPTEE XXXVI. 

ANDREW JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Andrew Jackson, the Seventh President, 1829-1837.— 

Jackson was elected by a large majority, and Calhoun, of South 
-^^)Vn Carolina, was again chosen Vice-President. 
General Jackson was an ardent Democrat. 
He believed in the rights of the people and 
was proud of being their choice. He also 
thought that he did the best thing for the 
nation when he followed the principles of his 
party and carried out its intentions. He was 
an honest, fearless man, but he was very ar- 
bitrary, and disliked those who opposed him, 
JOHN c. CALHOUN, g^j^^j -^^^ little scruplc in exercising the power 
of his position as President.' 

Jackson Opposes the "American System." — Jackson did 
not favor carrying on internal improvements by the government, 
nor protecting American industries by high import duties. He 
therefore vetoed bills for the first, and advised Congress to 
lessen the tariff, which was so obnoxious to the agricultural in- 
terests of the Southern States. 

Opening of Railroads, 1831. — The opening of railroads and 
the introduction of steam-carriages, at this tim«, greatly increased 
the prosperity of the country. The cars were at first drawn by 
horses, but, in 1830, a steam-locomotive was used on a short 
road running from Charleston, South Carolina. The Baltimore 
and Ohio road next adopted steam-engines. Other Northern 

iThe maxim that " To the victors belong the spoils," had found favor in New- 
York politics, and was adopted as a rule during Jackson's administration. Every 
office-holder who was opposed to the Democrats was at once removed, and his place 
given to some politician or citizen who had worked or voted for Democratic suc- 
cess. This policy prevailed at Washington for many years. Party "Conventions," 
originated under its influence, and political machinery became strong and com- 
plete. 



186 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




B. T. HAYNE. 



roads took them up, and now they rush over all parts of the 
continent. 
Nullification Threatened hj South Carolina, 1830.— New 

England had several times threatened to leave the Union when 
she was opposed to things done by the gov- 
ernment. South Carolina now made a similar 
threat, on rather different grounds. Mr. Cal- 
houn, the leading statesman in the South, 
held that if Congi-ess should at any time pass 
a law contrary to the Constitution, each State 
had the right to prevent that law being exe- 
cuted within her territory. 

The question of "Nullification" threatened 
to rend the Union. The great orators of the time, Calhoun,' 
Clay, Webster, Hayne and others, argued long and ably in the 
Senate. The speeches made by Mr. Hayne in defence of State 
rights as reserved under the Constitution, and of Daniel Webster, 
who declared that such independent rights 
were impossible, are powerful specimens of 
oratory. 

Ordinance of Nullification, 1832.— The 
antagonism to the tariff, and the determina- 
tion to stand up for her rights grew con- 
stantly stronger in South Carolina, and, when 
a more oj^jDressive tariff was jsassed, in 1832, 
the people of the State met in convention and 
passed a "Nullification Ordinance." This or- 
dinance declared the two late tariffs unconstitutional ; that they 
should be considered " null and void " within the State ; and 
that if the Federal government took any steps to collect the du- 
ties or coerce the State, she would consider her connection with 
the United States severed by such action, and would set up an 
independent government for herself. 

Tariff Compromise. — General Jackson believed in the re- 




BANIEL WEBSTER. 



'Calhoun, while Vice-President, had no voice in Congress, but Robert Y. Hayne, 
advocated his views very powerfully in the Senate. 



Jackson's administration. 187 

served rights of the States, and opposed the tariff; but, as 
President of all the States, on this question he took the side of 
the government, and exerted the power of his office to the 
utmost. On December 10th he issued a proclamation against 
the nullifiers. Congfress gave him authority, in a "■ Force Bill," 
to enforce the tariff by means of the army and navy, and there 
was great anxiety throughout the country as to the result. 
Fortunately, better counsels prevailed. By the influence of 
Henry Clay, the tariff was lessened. South Carolina moderated 
her opposition, and there was no reason for the President to 
use arms against her. 

Jackson and the United States Bank. — The President ob- 
jected to the United States Bank as well as to the tariff, and in 
his message, in 1832, advised that the government support 
should be withdrawn from it. Congress differed with him, but 
he brooked opposition no better from Congress than from South 
Carolina. Carrying out his personal views, he had the govern- 
ment money taken from the bank and distributed among other 
banks. The Senate and the political leaders of the country — 
Clay, Calhoun, Webster, and Adams — took sides against him, 
but he carried his point, and was sustained by the people. 

Continued Agitation of the Slavery Question. — The ques- 
tion of slavery in the different States was thought to be finally 
settled by the passage of the Missouri Compromise. The Abo- 
lition societies and the Quakers were resolved that it should not 
be settled, and continued to agitate it through newspapers,^ 
documents, and petitions to Congress. By continually repeating 
their ideas, the Abolitionists gradually gained adherents. They 
continued to pour petitions against slavery into Congress, through 
the hands of ex-President John Quincy Adams. ^ 

iTlie most influential of these papers was " The Liberator," published by Wil- 
liam Lloyd Garrison, which clamored for " immediate emancipation." Garrison 
was a fearless fanatic. He was honest enough to see that the Constitution was not 
opposed to slavery, and he termed it, on that account, "an agreement with death 
and a covenant with hell." 

- The representatives of the South were most earnest to protect their section 
from the attacks of the Abolitionists. Insurrections of the negroes had some- 
times been stirred up, and in one, in Virginia, led by Nat Turner, in 1832, sixty 
people had been murdered. 



188 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Black Hawk War, 1832. — The anxiety caused by the slavery 
agitation was increased by Indian war in the Northwest, and by 
the appearing of Asiatic cholera. The Winnebagoes, and Sacs 
and Foxes practiced such cruelty on the settlers in Illinois that 
it became necessary to repress them. Black Hawk, their leader, 
was a crafty, bold warrior, but at last General Atkinson suc- 
ceeded in overcoming him in the battle of Bad Axe in Illinois. 
Black Hawk was made prisoner, and his 
f o'llowers Avere removed west of the Mis- 
sissippi.' 

Florida War, 1835.— The year 1835 
witnessed the beginning of a second 
Seminole war in Florida. Osceola, the 
Seminole chief, made threats of ven- 
geance for wrongs done to him, and was 
put in irons and kept a prisoner for 
some days. Enraged at this treatment, 
he withdrew into the Everglades to form a plan for revenge. A 
force of 110 United States soldiers, under Major Dade, was 
surrounded by Osceola and his followers, on December 28th, 
and all massacred except one man. For two years the war 
raged with varying success. Osceola went, in 1837, to hold a 
conference with General 
Jessup. Although the 
Indian chief was jjro- 
tected by a flag of truce, 
Jessup seized him and 
sent him to Fort Moul- 
trie, in Charleston; 
where he died a prisouT 

er. In 183 8 Colonel the hermitage, hujie of andkew .iackson. 
Zachary Taylor severely defeated the Seminoles, and they were 
afterwards removed to the western reservation. 





1 General Seott sent two young lieutenants of the regular army, Jefferson Davis 
and Robert Anderson, to administer the oath of aDegiance to the companies which 
volunteered for the war. Abraham Lincoln, then the tall awkward captain of an 
Illinois company, was sworn in by Jefferson Davis. 



VAN buren's administration. 189 

Jackson's Farewell. — At the close of his eight years of 
office, Jackson issued a "Farewell Address" to the people, fuU 
of patriotism and devotion to constitutional liberty. He had 
changed his views and his policy more than once, and had of- 
fended some of his best friends, but he was sincere and honest 
in his intentions, and firm and able in carrying them out. He 
died on June 8, 1845. 

Arkansas, 1836 — Michigan, 1837. — Late in 1836 Arkansas 
was admitted to the Union, and Michigan early in 1837. 

Questions. — 1. Who was President between the years 1829 and 1837? 
2. Describe his character. 3. What political maxim was adopted as a rule 
during Jackson's administration (note) ? 4. What was General Jackson's 
action towards the American System ? 5. When and where were steam- 
locomotives first used ? 6. What did South Carolina threaten to do in 1880 ? 
7. What is the doctrine of nullification ? 8. Who was its great advocate ? 
9. Who was its principal opponent ? 10. What ordinance was passed by 
South Carolina in 1832? 11. What steps did the President immediately 
take? 12. How was war prevented? 13. How did the President feel 
and act towards the United States Bank ? 14. How was the agitation of 
the slavery question kept up ? 15. What did William Lloyd Garrison call 
the Constitution (note) ? 16. What insurrection occurred in Virginia in 1832 
(note)? 17. Tell of the Black Hawk War. 18. What three noted men 
took part in it (note) ? 19. Mention other noteworthy events between 1832 
and 1835. 20. Tell the story of the Florida War in 1835. 21. Who was the 
Seminole chief, and what became of him and his tribe ? 22. Tell of Jack- 
son's " Farewell Address.'' 23. When did he die ? 24. When were Arkan- 
sas and Michigan admitted to the Union ? 



CHAPTEE XXXVn. 

VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION— TYLER'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Van Buren, the Eighth President, 1837. — General Jack 
son's popularity ensured the election of his favorite, Martin Van 
Buren, of New York. 

Financial Crash of 1837. — A financial storm swept over the 
country shortly after the beginning of the new administration. 




190 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The failures in business amounted to hundreds of millions of dol- 
lars. Many banks failed, others suspended specie payment. The 
year before there was a surplus of $37,000,- 
000 in the National Treasury, but now an ex- 
tra session of Congress had to be called to 
see how the necessary expenses of the gov- 
ernment could be paid. Congress authorized 
the issue of $10,000,000 treasury notes to 
meet the emergency. 
rf^ State Rights Resolutions in Congress, 
1838. — Mr. Adams continued to present 
MAETiN VAN BUEEN. uumbcrs of abolitiou petitions to Congress. 
In January, 1838, Mr. Calhoun brought into the Senate six reso- 
lutions which strongly asserted the rights reserved by the differ- 
ent States in framing the Constitution, and the duty of the gen- 
eral government to prevent one portion of the Union from using 
the Constitution as an instrument to interfere with the domestic 
institutions of another portion ; slavery was one of the rights, 
and was recognized as such in ai^portioning representation 
among the States, and all attacks upon it were violations of most 
solemn obligations ; that Congress could not abolish slavery in 
the District of Columbia without breaking faith with Virginia 
and Maryland, nor in the territories, without infringing on the 
rights of the inhabitants. - The Senate adopted the resolutions 
by a very large majority. 

Abberton's Resolutions, 1838. — At the meeting of Congress 
in December, there were such abusive attacks upon the South 
by the Abolitionists that ail the Southern members were about 
to withdraw from the House. To quiet the agitation, as seemed 
to have been done by the Senate, Mr. Abberton, of New Hamp- 
shire, introduced resolutions something like those of Mr. Cal- 
houn. These resolutions, offered by a Northern man, stated 
that, under the Constitution, Congress had nothing to do with 
slavery in the States ; that petitions to abolish it in the District 
and the Territories were intended to destroy it in the South- 
ern States ; that Congress covild not agree to them without vio- 



VAN buren's administration. 191 

lating the Constitution, and that hereafter every such petition 
should be at once laid on the table. The first proposition had 
only six votes against it, and all the others vv^ere passed by 
a two-thirds majority, so that it was hoped that the slavery agi- 
tation was finally settled. 

Ocean Steamships, 1838. — Steam-vessels now began to ply 
regularly between England and America. Dr. Lardner, a dis- 
tinguished philosopher, wrote an article to prove that such trans- 
portation was impossible, which was brought to America in one 
of the steamers, which proved him mistaken.^ 

General Hjirrison Elected President, 1840. — When the 
election for President was held in this year, the Democrats voted 
for Van Buren for a second term. The Whigs chose WilHam 
Henry Harrison,^ who had won distinction by his defeat of Te- 
cumseh, and afterwards in Canada, in 1812. John Tyler, of Vir- 
ginia, was the Vice-President. The result was 230 votes for 
Harrison against sixty for Van Buren. 

Harrison's Death, 1841. — General Harrison was inaugu- 
rated, in a driving storm, on March 4, 1841. He took cold, 
and died of pneumonia on April 4th, having been President just 
one month. Before he became too ill he called an extra session 
of Congress to meet on the last day of May. 

John Tyler, President, 1841. — The Vice-President at once 
took the oath of office and became the tenth President of the 
United States. Mr. Tyler was not in sympathy with the Whig 
party. He was a strong State-rights man, and considered a 
national bank unconstitutional, but he was put on the Whig 
ticket as the most available Southern man for the position. 

Mr. Tyler's Vetoes. — When the extra session of Congress 
met it was soon seen to be at variance with the new President. 

iThe government sent out an exploring expedition, this year, under Captain 
Charles Wilkes, which did much to advance the natural sciences. For nearly four 
years the ships cruised in waters hitherto unexplored, and discovered the Antarc- 
tic Continent. 

2" Tippecanoe" was a pet name given to General Harrison, and the campaign 
cry of tlie Whigs was " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." They also adopted a log cabin 
and a cider barrel as emblems, because their candidate had lived in a log-house, 
and liked to drink hard cider. Buttons, scarf-pins, and cane-heads were seen every- 
vsrhere, fashioned like a cabin or a barrel. 




192 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

It passed two bills — one to establish the " Fiscal Bank of the 
United States," and another the "Fiscal Coi-poration. " Mr. 
Tyler vetoed both as contrary to the Con- 
stitution, and thereby gave great offence to 
the Whig party. The whole Cabinet, ex- 
cept Mr. Webster, the Secretary of State, 
at once resigned, and the party divided into 
the friends and enemies of the President. 
In 184:2 Mr. Tyler also vetoed two succes- 
sive tariff bills, but at last signed a third. 
^ Dorr's Rebellion, 1842.— The State of 
^* Khode Island was still governed by the 
JOHN TYLEE, charter granted it by Charles II., which 

restricted the right of suffrage to a small number of the popu- 
lation. Thomas Dorr, a lawyer of Providence, desiring to ex- 
tend the suffrage, organized a party in favor of such extension, 
and set up a new government, with Dorr at its head. The legal 
governor called on the President to send him troops to put 
down the usurper. The legislature, in the meantime, called a 
convention, by which a new constitution was adopted enlarging 
the suffrage. The people ratified it, and put an end to "Dorr's 
Rebellion." Dorr was tried for treason, and sentenced to life 
imprisonment, but was afterwards pardoned and restored to 
his civil rights.' 

Magnetic Telegraph — Treaty with China, 1844.— This year 
witnessed the successful completion of Morse's telegraph. It 
was put in operation between Washington and Baltimore, and 
the first message sent was : " What hath God wrought !" Pro- 
fessor Morse had worked at his invention for years amidst 
poverty an4 discouragement, but his perseverance and skill were 
at last recognized by an appropriation from Congress, and were 

>In February, 1814, the war-vessel Princeton anchored in the Potomac below Wash- 
ington. The President, with the Cabinet and other persons from Washington, were 
entertained on the ship on the 28th of the month. One of the large guns of the 
vessel the Peacemaker was fired in honor of the guests. At the second discharge the 
gun burst, killing Mr. Upshur, the Secretary of State; Mr. Gilmer, the Secretary of 
the Navy, and several other persons. 



VAN BUREN S ADMINISTRATION. 



193 



rewarded with success. Diplomatic relations were at this time 
established with China, where civilized nations had been con- 
sidered as " outside barbarians." 

Oregon (Question. — You remember that Oregon had been 
discovered by Captain Gray in 1792, and had been partially 
explored by Lewis and Clarke in Jefferson's time. The first 
white settlement in the region was made at Astoria, by the 
American Fur Company in 1810. Great Britain had been al- 
lowed to occupy the country jointly with the United States, and 
gradually came to look upon it as hers. This question occa- 
sioned much agitation at this time. 

Texas Settled — The Alamo, 1836.— The annexation of 
Texas to the United States was the most imj-tortant event in 
Mr. Tyler's time. 
You remember that 
La Salle made a 
settlement there in 
1686. Texas after- 
wards passed into 
possession of Spain, 
and was considered 
a part of Mexico. 
The Spanish au- 
thorities gave a 
large grant of land, in 1820 and 1822, to Moses Austin, from 
Connecticut, and his son, who carried a number of colonists to 
the region around the city of Austin. By 1833, there were 
20,000 settlers from the United States who threw off the oppres- 
sive Mexican rule and set up a republic of their own. In 1835, 
172 men in the fortress of the Alamo, in San Antonio, were be- 
sieged by 4,000 Mexicans under Santa Anna. After eleven days 
the Alamo was carried by storm, and every person in it, except a 
woman, a child, and a servant, was cut to pieces. 

Massacre at Goliad, 1836. — A few weeks later, Santa Anna 
caused to be slaughtered at Goliad 300 prisoners who had sur- 
rendered to a large Mexican force. General Sam Houston, 
13 




THE ALAMO, RESTORED. 




194 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

from Virginia, was the commander of the Texan army. The 
defeats at the Alamo and Goliad had disheartened Houston's 
men, and his falling back across the Colo- 
rado , the Brazos, and the San Jacinto filled 
them with alarm. In dread of Mexican 
cruelty, the population of the country also 
moved on to keep the army between them 
and Santa Anna. 
Battle of San Jacinto, 1836. — Having 
^.>) drawn the Mexicans far enough from their 
base, Houston, with 800 men, gave battle 
on the field of San Jacinto, on April 12th, 
to double that number. With shouts of " Remember the Ala- 
mo! Remember Goliad!" the Texans rushed on their enemies, 
whom they utterly routed, kUling and capturing almost all. 
Santa Anna, President of Mexico, was among the prisoners. 
This battle put an end to the struggle, and Texan independence 
was accomplished. The republic of Texas was recognized by 
the United States in 1837, and by England and France two years 
later. Houston was made its first President. 

Annexation of Texas, 1845. — As early as 1837, Texas ap- 
plied to be annexed to the United States, but Mr. Van Buren 
opposed it. In 1814, it became the main issue in the president 
tial election. Congress voted for its annexation, and Mr. Tyler 
signed the bill just before the end of his term of ofiice. The 
bill declared that four States might be formed out of the great 
country, those north of 36° 30' to be free States, those south of 
that line either free or slave-holding as their people should de- 
cide. This was certainly just, but the North strongly opposed 
the annexation, fearing that it would give more power to the 
South in Congress and increase the votes agaiust the protective 
tarifi". 

Florida Admitted to the Union, 1845. — Florida became 
a State during the last days of Tyler's administration. 

Questions. — 1. Who was elected President in 1836? 2. Give an account 
of the financial crash in 1837. 3. What resolutions did Mr. Calhoun bring 



folk's administration. 195 

into Congress in 1838 ? 4. How were they received ? 5. What were Ab- 
berton's resolutions, and why were they introduced ? 6. Were they passed ? 
7. What was Dr. Lardner's opinion of steamships ? 8. Tell of General Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison's election to the presidency in 1840. 9. Describe his 
inauguration and death. 10. Who succeeded him, and what were his views? 
11. What bills did he veto? 12. How did this divide the Cabinet and the 
Whig party ? 13. Tell the story of Dorr's rebellion. 14. What dreadful 
catastrophe oeciu'red on the Princeton in 1844 (note)? 15. What can you 
tell of Professor Morse, and the first telegram ? 16. What was the Oregon 
question ? 17. Tell of the settlement of Texas. 18. When did the Texans 
set up a republic of their own ? 19. Describe the siege of the Alamo. 20. 
What occurred at Goliad in 1836? 21. Tell of the battle of San Jacinto, 
and its results. 22. Who was the first President of Texas ? 23. When did 
Texas apply to be annexed to the United States ? 24. When was she ad- 
mitted ? 25. What declaration was made in the bill which admitted her ? 
26. Why was the North opposed to the annexation of Texas ? 27. When 
did Florida become a State? 28. Find on the map all the places men- 
tioned. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

POLK'S ADMINISTRATION— MEXICAN WAR. 

"Army of Occupation." — James K. Polk, of Tennessee, was 
inaugurated en March -l, 1845. On December 29, 1844, Texas 
was formally admitted into the Union. The 
country between the Rio Grande and Nueces 
Rivers, was claimed by both Mexico and 
Texas. It was plain that there would be a 
struggle for the possession of it, and Mr. 
Polk sent General Zachary Taylor, with 5,000 
soldiers to occupy and defend it. 

Beginning of the Mexican War, 1846. 
General Taylor built Fort Brown on the Rio 
JAMES K. POLK. Graudc, opposite Matamoras. The Mexicans 
considered this as a beginning of hostilities, and, on April 26th, 
they attacked a small American force on the east side of the 
Rio Grande, and killed or captured the whole sixty-three. 
This was the first bloodshed of the war, and it aroused great 




196 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

indignation all over the United States. Congress declared 
that "war existed by the act of Mexico,"' put §10,000,000 at 
the President's disposal, and authorized the enrollment of 50,000 
volunteers. Three hundred thousand men at once offered them- 
selves. Two-thirds of the soldiers mustered into service were 
from the Southern States. The Mexican soldiers were well 
drilled and fairly brave, but their officers were indifferent. 

Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, 1846. — On 
May 8th General Taylor, with 3,000 men escorting a long pro- 
vision train, encountered 6,000 ^Mexicans on the plain of Palo 
Alto. In the desperate fight of five hours, the American artil- 
lery was especially serviceable in driving the enemy from the 
field. The next day Taylor gained another victory at Kesaca de 
la Palma, in which the whole Mexican army was routed and 
driven across the Rio Grande. 

Three Armies Against Mexico. — The United States Gov- 
ernment now decided to make three separate attacks upon 
Mexico. Taylor was to advance by Matamoras ; General Kear- 
ney was to march upon California, and General Wool to seize 
the northern provinces. General Taylor captui*ed Monterey, in 
August, with 6,500 men, and occupied Saltillo, Victoria and 
Tampico, one after the other. 

Fremont's Capture of California, 1846. — General Kear- 
ney, after establishing a new government in New Mexico, set 
out for California in November. But California had already 
been taken possession of by the American settlers thei-e under 
Colonel John C. Fremont. Fremont, by the direction of the 
government, had, in various expeditions, explored the whole 
Rocky Mountain region and the country westward to the Pacific 
coast. Amid great dangers and difficulties he had traced the 
course of the rivers, had found out the passes through the 
great mountain ranges, and had taken note of the peculiarities 
of the vast country through which he journeyed. Fremont was 
in California when hostilities began witli Mexico, and at once 
organized the Americans there into a government, of which he 
was the head. Commodore Stockton, with an American squad- 




POLKAS ADMINISTRATION. l97 

Iron, appeared about this time off the coast with orders from 
Washington to cajDture California. By the aid of Fremont this 
was quickly done, and the territory passed into 
the hands of the United States with very small 
opposition. 

General Scott Sent to Vera Cruz. — North 
ern and northwestern Mexico were also occu- 
pied by General Worth and Colonel Doniphan, 
and General Scott was put in command of a general scott. 
large army, with orders to land at Vera Cruz and march upon 
the City of Mexico. A good part of this army was taken from 
that of General Taylor. 

Battle of Buena Vista, 1847. — General Santa Anna, by the 
connivance of the Washington authorities, had made his way 
back to Mexico from his exile in Cuba. Learning of the reduc- 
tion of Taylor's army, Santa Anna collected 20,000 Mexicans 
and marched against the Americans at the mountain pass of 
Buena Vista. To his demand for immediate surrender, he re- 
ceived the reply, " General Taylor never surrenders." He, there- 
fore, attacked fiercely on February 23d, and for a time the issue 
seemed doubtful. At the critical moment a regiment from Ken- 
tucky and one from Mississippi, under Colonel Jefferson Davis, 
were put into action, and by their accurate rifle-firing forced the 
Mexicans back. The American artillery, under Sherman and 
Bragg, also did tremendous execution. General Taylor's pithy 
order, "Give them a little more grape. Captain Bragg," was 
obeyed with such spirit that the Mexicans fell back before the 
destructive firing, and abandoned their position during the 
night. General Taylor lost more than 700, the Mexicans 2,000. 

Surrender of Vera Cruz, 1847.— General Scott, March 10, 
1847, landed 12,000 men before Vera Cruz, and, when the 
town refused to surrender, proceeded to bombard it. The de- 
struction accomplished in two days compelled both the town 
and the Castle of San Juan D'UUoa to surrender. Four hun- 
dred cannon and 4,000 men were captured, and Scott prepared 
to advance upon the City of Mexico. 



198 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

Cerro Gordo. — Santa Anna was strongly posted at the pass 
of Cerro Gordo, in the Cordilleras, fifteen miles west of Vera 
Cruz, where he could not be attacked in front. Under the direc- 
tion of Scott's engineers, Lee, McClellan, Beauregard and others, 
a road was made around the steep mountain side, by which part 
of the Americans passed to a point from which Santa Anna said 
he did not think a goat could have attacked him. On April 
18th the Mexicans were driven from the pass with great loss, 
and the Americans pressed forward to Jalapa and Puebla. From 
the latter place Scott advanced against the capital with 11,000 
men. 

March on Mexico. — To avoid the strong defences of the di- 
rect road. General Scott took a route which carried him to the 
south and west of the city. Fierce fighting carried the strong 
positions of Contreras and Cherubusco. The Fortress of Cha- 
pultepec, just outside the Bel en Gate, next barred the way into 
the city of Mexico. An outpost, Molinos del Hey — the Kings 
Mills — was carried at the point of the bayonet. On the 13th of 
September, the works on the heights were stormed. The as- 
saulting columns rushed up the slopes, planted their ladders, 
scaled the walls, and carried the castle with hand-to-hand fight- 
ing. Many soldiers, of whom you must hear much, won their 
first laurels in this Mexican campaign. Among others, U. S. 
Grant was breveted captain for taking a cannon into a church 
tower and using it with efi"ect. 

Mexico Captured, 1847. — From Chapultepec, the Americans 
pressed on, forced the Belen Gate and entered the city, a South 
Carolina regiment with the Palmetto flag being the first to do 
so. By nightfall of the 13th, the whole city was in the hands of 
the Americans, and this taking of the capital was really the end 
of the war. 

Peace, 1848. — In a treaty of peace, signed on February 2, 
1848, all the territory claimed by Texas, with New Mexico, Ari- 
zona and California were guaranteed to the United States. For 
which Mexico was to receive $15,000,000, and also an indemnity 
of $1,500,000, claimed by American citizens. 



Polk's administration. 



199 



Gold DiscoTered in California, 1848. — The discovery of 
vast quantities of gold in California increased immensely the 
value of the territory acquired 
by the Mexican war. In eigh- 
teen months, 100,000 men went 
from the United States alone 
to the "gold diggings." 

Vigilance Committees. — 
Crime and anarchy threatened 
to destroy all law and order 
until vigilanee committees be- 
gan to protect the weak and 
punish the guilty. Gradually 
a better state of things arose, 
and society became more set- 
tled. Farming, fruit-growing 
and sheep-raising took the 
place of universal goid-digging. 

Iowa, 1846 — Wisconsin, 
1848. — The two new States of Iowa and Wisconsin were ad- 
mitted to the Union during Polk's administration. 




DISCOVEEY OF GOLD. 



Questions. — 1. Who was elected President in 1844? 2. Why did he send 
an army to Texas ? 3. Tell how the Mexican war began in 1846. 4. Describe 
the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. 5. How many armies 
were now sent against Mexico ? 6. What place was captured, and what cities 
occupied by General Taylor ? 7. Who had already captured California ? 
8. Tell of Colonel Fremont's explorations, and how he took possession of 
California. 9. Where, was General Scott sent? 10. How did General Santa 
Anna get back home from his exile in Cuba ? 11. Describe the battle of 
Buena Vista in 1847. 12. What regiments finally drove the Mexicans back, 
and what artillery officers were distinguished in the fight ? 13. Tell of the 
capture at Vera Cruz. 14. Describe the fight at Cerro Gordo, and its re- 
sults. 15. Upon what city did General Scott then advance ? 16. What bat- 
tles were fought on the route to Mexico ? 17. What fortress was stormed 
just outside of the city ? 18. Describe the capture of the city of Mexico. 
19. What effect did this have on the Mexican war ? 20. Upon what condi- 
tions was peace made in 1848 ? 21. What was discovered in California in 
the same year ? 22. What were the results upon the people of the United 



200 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

States? 23. How were law and order re-established, and a better state of 
things brought about ? 24. In what years did Iowa and Wisconsin become 
States ? 25. Have you found all the places on the map ? 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY— TAYLOR-FILLMORE ADMINISTRATION. 

Progress of the Country — Population and Industries. — 

The population of the United States increased from 5,000,000 
in 1800, to over 23,000,000 in 18.50, who were mainly occupied 
in developing the agricultural and mineral resources of the land, 
or in trade and manufacturing. Iron and steel were produced 
in large quantities. Factories in New England wove millions of 
yards of cotton and woollen goods. Coal for smelting iron, run- 
ning steam-engines, and warming houses, was extensively mined 
in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Reapers and other 
agricultural machinery, lessened the labor of farming, and made 
it possible to cultivate more land ; while sewing-machines 
changed in part the means and methods of women's work, 
if they did not diminish it. 

Schools and Churches. — Mental progress was equally no- 
ticeable. Public schools were flourishing, and more than 200 
colleges had been established. Two thousand five hundred 
newspapers carried information to all parts of the country. 
Churches and religious bodies had also grown and extended 
their influence in all directions. All this growth and develop- 
ment was largely due to the rapid increase of wealth by the gold 
of California. 

Moral Unrest. — Hundreds of thousands of Europeans had 
been attracted to the United States, and their coming greatly 
changed the character and opinions of the population, especially 
in the North and West. A restless desire to upset the old order 
of things was shown in the springing up of new religious sects, 
and fantastic societies, and in strange proposals to alter the 




1 U L F OF M E X ^ 



iviUe 



THE 
UNITED STATES 



Scale of Miles 



100 200 300 iOO 600 



TAYLOR-FILLMORE ADMINISTRATION. 201 

customs of the people, and sometimes to get rid of all law and 
order. 

The Slavery Question. — By continued efforts the Abolition- 
ists, led by William Lloyd Garrison and the Quakers, had 
manufactured a large amount of sentiment at the North. The 
Methodist and Baptist churches, followed a little later by the 
Presbyterians, divided on the slavery question into Northern 
and Southern churches, which were very hostile to each other. 
The Northern pulpits taught that slavery was contrary to the 
Word of God, and impossible for Christian people. When such 
statements were disproved, and it was shown that the "man- 
servant and maid-servant " of the fourth and tenth command- 
ments were bought slaves, the Abolitionists fell back on the 
"higher law," and declared that they had purer and better 
teaching than that of the Bible. The Southern people, on the 
other hand, comforted themselves with the knowledge that their 
"peculiar institution" was not directly condemned in Holy 
Writ, and even came to consider slavery as a positive good. 

Difficulty of Freeing the Slaves. — We must wonder at the 
blinded perceptions of both sections of the country — that the 
noble men and pure women of the South did not see more clearly 
the evils of their system, and that the North did not understand 
that its conduct towards the slave-holding section was unjust 
and overbearing. This persistent and unwarranted interference 
no doubt prevented the Southern States from taking steps to 
rid themselves of slavery. Virginia very nearly did so in 1832. 
But now their indignation was aroused, and they thought their 
self-respect obliged them to maintain a constitutional right so 
unlawfully assailed. This determination was strengthened by 
the difficulty of disposing of the negroes, even if set free, which 
made their owners more resolute to maintain their right under 
the Constitution to extend their domestic institutions in the 
southern part, at least, of all the new territory. 

Wilmot Proviso. — The North was determined that no such 
right should be acknowledged. The " Wilmot Proviso," which 
forbade the admission of slavery into any of the new territory, 



202 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

was passed by the House of Kepresentatives and rejected by the 
Senate. The Proviso would shut up the Southern people to 
the States they already occupied, while under it the Northern 
States, where the population was enlarged and changed by for- 
eign immigration, would fill up the new country, regulate the 
new States formed there, and get the government into their own 
hands. 

Tlie South and the Territories. — The Southern States 
would not consent to this. They knew that they had the right 
to an equal share in the property of the republic. They had 
suffered and sacrificed greatly to establish it. Their sons had 
fought for freedom on every battle-field of the Revolution, 
Virginia had captured the Northwest from England and had 
given it to the nation to ensure the ratification of the Constitu- 
tion. Southern valor had driven out the Indians, had broken 
the English power at New Orleans, and had furnished two-thirds 
of the soldiers who had conquered Mexico, and won much of the 
country now in dispute. They knew, also, that the Constitu- 
tion guaranteed equal rights to all the States and their citizens, 
and that Congress had repeatedly denied having any power to 
interfere with them. They could not see, therefore, any justice 
in this latest effort to shut them out from a share in the vast 
.,<>-. s-^. and wealthy region lately acquired. This 

determination to take possession of the 
entire West gave rise to the " Free-Soil " 
party. 

General Zachary Taylor, President. 
General Taylor's successes in Mexico gave 
him great popularity, and he was elected 
President by the Whig party, and inaugu- 
rated on March 4, 1849 ; Millard Fillmore, 
ZACHARY TAYLOR. of Now York, bciug Vice-President. 
California's Irregular Constitution, 1849. — Before Con- 
gress met in December, the people of California had organized 
a government and formed a constitution which excluded slavery, 
and they now applied to come into the Union as a State. This 




TAYLOR-FILLMORE ADMINISTRATION. 203 

was a most irregular proceeding, as Congress liad never estab- 
lish any territorial government there. 

Strife in Congress. — Such was the difference of feeling 
among the members of Congress that no speaker was chosen 
for three weeks, and then Howell Cobb, of Georgia, was elected 
by a simple plurality vote. Stormy and protracted debates then 
occupied both Houses for many months. The three great states- 
men — Calhoun, Clay and Webster, although their own views 
were widely different, made mighty efforts in the Senate to allay 
the strife and to introduce a spirit of peace and harmony. 

"Omnibus Bill." — Mr. Clay, who has been called "The 
Great Pacificator," with a desire to quiet the agitation in the 
country, brought in a bill which was called the " Omnibus Bill," 
because it covered so many measures. It proposed to admit Cali- 
fornia ; to organize territories in Utah and New Mexico without 
any slavery restriction; to compel the free States to restore 
fugitive slaves to their owners, and to suppress buying and sell- 
ing slaves in the District of Columbia. The bill satisfied few of 
the Congressmen. The North opposed slavery in the new ter- 
ritories, and also the surrender of fugitive slaves, and was eager 
to abolish slavery in the District. The South objected to the ad- 
mission of California under an illegal constitution, and thought 
slavery could not be legally restricted south of 36*^ 30'. She 
insisted that Southern people had the right to carry slaves into 
the new territories, and that the settlers in those territories 
should decide for or against slavery when they were admitted 
as States. 

Debate Between Calhonn and Webster. — Mr. Clay de- 
fended his bUl eloquently. Mr. Calhoun's feeble health did not 
permit him to speak, but he prepared an address in which he 
urged his countrymen to consider what they were doing. He 
showed the concessions made by the South to preserve the 
Union, and declared that she could not sanction the present de- 
structive encroachment on her rights ; and he warned the North 
that the Union would inevitably perish if such hostile injustice 
was persisted in. This speech was r^ad by Mr. Mason, of Vir- 



204 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ginia, and was received with breathless attention. Mr. Webster 
replied to Mr. Calhoun in an eloquent speech. He deprecated 
the efforts of the Abolition societies, and acknowledged that the 
slave-owners were upright, honest, Christian people. He op- 
posed the Wilmot Proviso on one hand, and any extension of 
slavery on the other, and said that the only just ground of com- 
plaint the South had against the North was that fugitive slaves 
were sheltered and not returned to their masters. ,He did not 
touch on the claim made by the Southern people that they had 
a right to carry their slaves like any other property' into the 
new territories without danger of molestation. One of his utter- 
ances that "peaceable secession" was impossible was as proph- 
etic as Calhoun's declaration that persistence in Northern aggres- 
sion must endanger the Union. 

Deaths of Calhoun and Taylor. — Mr. Calhoun died on March 
31st, 1850, shortly after the great debate in Congress. Presi- 
dent Taylor died of fever, on July 9, and was succeeded by the 
Vice-President, Millard Fillmore. 

The "Irrepressible Conflict." — What was termed by Mr. 
Seward the "irrepressible conflict" between the North and 
South had begun, which was only to be settled by a terrible 
war. One by one the provisions of the " Omnibus Bill " were 
passed. California was admitted as a State in August, and there 
was no Southern State to come in to balance her vote. There 
had been none since Texas, while new States in the Northwest 
were admitted every few years.' 

1 This was the great era of foreign immigration. The first great impetus given it 
was in 1847, wlien the starving Irisli came in crowds seeking food and comfort. 
Between 1847 and 1854,2,500,000 Europeans settled in the United States. Many farm- 
ers from the older States, especially from New England, tempted by the low price 
of government land in the Northwest— .$25 for one hundred acres— had left their 
barren, exhausted farms and moved to the more fertile regions of the new States 
and Territories. Norwegians, Swedes, and Germans followed in their tracks. The 
Irish generally took the places of those who had left the Atlantic slopes and gone 
west. The most worthless and vicious immigrants swelled the ranks of idleness 
and vice in the large cities. There were no public lands to give away in the South, 
and few foreigners were attracted thither. Tliey were ignorant of American his- 
tory and opinions, and had no sympathy with either, and, therefore, the South- 
erners, who loved their own States passionately, shrank from inviting into their 
midst the uncongenial newcomers from over the sea. These settlers, foreign in 
thought and feeling, widened the divergence of opinions and interest between the 
two sections of the republic. 




TAYLOR-FILLMORE ADMINISTRATION. 205 

Deaths of Clay and Webster, 1852. — Mr. Clay's patriotic 
life ended in its seventy-sixth year, in June, 1852. Mr. Webster 
survived him until 
October 26th. Thus 
the " great trio," Cal- 
houn, Clay, and Web- 
ster, passed away 
within two years. 
Their names are iden- 
tified with all that 

was great and impor- \'^'^\'^^'f'J<^'^^ "^.W^"" 
tant in the national ^okt hill, home of calhoun. 

life of their period. All were true patriots and great orators 
who exercised strong influence in the National councils. 

Perry's Expedition to Japan, 1852. — An expedition to 
Japan, under command of Captain M. C. Perry, lead to the 
opening of two of their ports to American ships. A treaty of 
peace and commerce was made with them which is still in opera- 
tion. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of the increase in population since 1800. 2. What 
great industries had sprung up? 3. Tell of the growth of schools and 
churches. 4. To what was all this growth and development largely due ? 
5. What effect did European immigration have in the North and West at 
this time ? 6. How did this change show itself ? 7. What were the differ- 
ent views of the moral right of slavery ? 8. What was one practical diffi- 
culty in freeing the slaves? 9. What constitutional right did the South 
claim? 10. What was the Wilmot Proviso ? 11. What was the practical 
result of this proviso ? 12. Why could the South claim equal rights in the 
territories? 13. AVhen was Oregon organized into a territoiy ? 14. What 
was the Free-Soil party ? 15. Who were elected President and Vice-Presi- 
dent in 1848? 16. Tell of California's irregular Constitution. 17. What 
gave rise to trouble in Congress ? 18. Who were the three great leaders, 
and what efforts did they make ? 19. What were the provisions of the Om- 
nibus bill ? 20. Why did it satisfy neither section of the country ? 21. Tell 
of Mr. Calhoun's great speech. 22. Of Mr. Webster's eloquent reply. 
23. What two prominent men died in 1850 ? 24. Who then became Presi- 
dent? 25. What was the irrepressible conflict ? 26. When did California 
become a State ? 27. Tell of foreign immigration (note). 28. Who were 
the first emigrants to the Northwest (note) ? 29. Where did the Europeans 



206 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

generally settle (note) ? 30. Why was there little emigration to the South 
(note)? 31. What two great statesmen died in 1852? 32. Tell the results 
of Captain Perry's expedition to Japan. 



CHAPTER XL. 

PIERCE'S -iDiMINISTRATION. 

Franklin Pierce, the Fourteenth President, 1853.— Frank- 
lin Pierce, of New Hampshire, the Democratic candidate, was 
elected President by a very large majority over General Win- 
field Scott, the AVhig candidate. He was a Democrat of the 
Jeflferson type, and endorsed the " Fugitive Slave Law," which 
formed part of the " platform " of each of the contending par- 
ties. He earnestly wished to end the distractions of the coun- 
try, and put both Northern and Southern men into the Cabinet. 

Routes to California. — The journeys to the Pacific slope 
were long, tedious, and full of danger, and it was important to 
find means for quicker intercourse. Various surveys were made 
to find a practicable route for a railroad across the continent. 
While waiting for such a road, a railway was buOt across the 
Isthmus of Panama, which shortened the journey by several 
months, and decreased the expense of it. 

Personal Liberty Laws. — It was soon seen that the hope of 
peace in the country was not to be realized. The clause of the 
"Omnibus Bill," known as the " Fugitive Slave Law," was odious 
to the Abolitionists, who continued to work against it in the 
different States. Influenced by their teaching, many States 
passed "Personal Liberty Laws," wholly contradicting the laws 
of Congress, and thus nullified the Constitution, as South Caro- 
lina had, before this, attempted to do. In Pennsylvania and 
Ohio there was a regular plan to assist slaves to escape, known 
as the '' Underground Railroad," which violated the Constitu- 
tion as much as nullification could. 

Kansas-Nebraska, Bill, 1854. — The Kansas-Nebraska bill 



Pierce's administration. 207 

occasioned an agitation more violent than any which preceded 
it. The bill gave permission to the settlers in the territory to 
decide the question of slavery for themselves. Douglas, of Illi- 
nois, who advocated it, took the ground that under the legisla- 
tion of 1850 the restriction of slavery to the south of 36° 30' 
was done away with. This idea awoke a tempest of anger and 
abuse at the North. All sorts of demonstrations were made 
against the bill, and the papers and orators of the day declared 
that any dissension or destruction would be preferable to its 
passage. In spite of all opposition the bill was passed by a 
majority of thirteen in the House of Representatives, and by a 
nearly two-thirds vote in the Senate. This was at a time when 
the Southern States were largely outnumbered in both Houses. 

Riot in Boston — "Kansas Bibles." — The Northern people, 
however, would not obey distasteful laws, even when passed by 
their own representatives. A United States marshal was shot 
in Boston for arresting a fugitive slave, and government troops 
were necessary to protect officers in executing the laws. As the 
question of slavery in Kansas was to be decided by its inhabi- 
tants, societies in the East hurried emigrants thither to resist 
its introduction. There were collections in the churches to buy 
rifles — " Kansas Bibles " — ^and ammunition for the fight which 
was decided upon. Slave-holding citizens of Missouri also 
moved into Kansas and established several towns. Every man 
went heavily armed, and a civil war soon broke out. 

Reign of Terror in Kansas, 1855. — The members of the 
thirty-fourth Congress held such different opinions that it was 
only at the end of two months that N. P. Banks was elected 
speaker. Kansas, meanwhile, was the scene of a reign of ter- 
ror. Anti-slavery and pro-slavery conventions elected delegates 
to Congress, and each claimed to be the lawful government. 
Although a committee sent by Congress to investigate the ques- 
tion declared that none of the elections were legal. Congress 
and the President recognized the pro-slavery government. 

John Brown at Ossawatomie, 1856. — There was no more 
fanatical Abolitionist in Kansas than John Brown, who had 



208 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



gone from Connecticut to push tlie slavery quarrel to the blood 
iest extreme. Rather than tolerate slavery, he would rend th 
Union asunder. He fought fiercely against the Missouriang 
and at Ossawatomie led a night attack on his pro-slavery neigt 
bors, in which a number were killed. 

KilOW-Notliing Party. — A new political organization arose a 
this time, which called itself the American Party, but whic' 
gained the title of "Know-Nothing" from the secret oaths am 
watchwords by which its members were admitted. Its especis 
2:)rinciple was opposition to foreigners and Roman Catholics 
neither of whom should be allowed to hold any governmen 
office. For awhile it acquired some power at the North. I: 
the South, the movement was contrary to the genius of tii 
people and met little encouragement. 

Republican Party. — The Free-Soil or Anti-Slavery Partj 
now adopted the name of Republican Party. This title mad 
it very popular with the foreigners, wh 
believed it to be the opponent of tyrann 
and tlie advocate of freedom. 

Some Acliievements of Science.— Sill: 
man, Agassiz, Draper, and others in thi 
i:)eriod greatly advanced the sciences o 
geology, chemistry, astronomy, and natu 
ral history, and made valuable addition 
to human knowledge, and Matthew I 
Maury,' mapped out the winds and cui 
Chloroform and ether had been brough 
into use for the relief of pain and the improvement of surgery 




MATTHEW F. MAORY. 

rents of the ocean. 



1 Matthew F.Maury, a naval officer, a native of Virginia, was, perhaps, the great 
est benefactor of the time. Maury received, in his youth, only the limited educt 
tion of an "old field" school, but he became a diligent student of astronomy 
navigation, and whatever could improve him in his profession. The sailing-chart 
used were very inaccurate, and the knowledge of the winds and ocean-current 
was small, and Maury conceived the idea of making reliable charts of both th 
winds and currents. Studying carefully the reports in the great collection of lo{ 
books preserved by the Naval Department, he drew and published his first chart- 
the best route to Rio Janeiro, in South America. This was such a success tha 
Congress authorized Maury to employ all American captains to take daily notei 
in books furnished them, of the winds, the currents in the sea, and all the pht 



Buchanan's administration. 209 

Questions. — 1. Who was elected President in 1852, and what were his 
political views ? 2. Tell of the routes to California. 3. What were per- 
sonal liberty laws, and why were they passed ? 4. What was the under- 
ground railroad ? 5. What was the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and how was it 
received by the country? 6. What did Congress do about it ? 7. Describe 
the excitement in Boston and elsewhere. 8. What was done by the Mis- 
sourians ? 9. Describe the reign of terror in Kansas. 10. What part did 
John Brown take in this ? 11. What was the Know-Nothing party? 12. 
What was the Republican party ? 13. Mention some of the achievements 
of science at this time. 14. Tell of Matthew F. Maury and his great work. 
(Note). 



CHAPTER XLI. 

BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Buchanan Becomes President. — James Buchanan, of Penn- 
sylvania, was elected by the Democrats, and became the fifteenth 

nomena of land and water, and send them to him at Washington. They were also 
to enclose the names and places of their several ships in bottles, which were to be 
thrown into the sea. When such bottles were picked up on shore, the currents 
which bore them there could be ascertained. Maury, assisted by a corps of young 
officers, collected the information thus obtained, and prepared maps of the winds 
and currents by which ships could sail all over the world. These improved sailing 
directions were adopted by the maritime nations, and were estimated to save be- 
tween $40,000,000 and 160,000,000 every year, besides thousands of lives. United 
States officers are not permitted to receive presents from foreign governments, but 
the crowned heads of Europe and scientific societies heaped upon the " Geogra- 
pher of the Seas" orders of knighthood, medals, and testimonials. In 1853, a 
Scientific Congress met at Brussels, in response to Maury's suggestion, and the 
leading nations of Europe agreed to assist in the investigations he had begun. 
Maury also urged that similar observations should be carried out on land as well 
as at sea, and our great system of " weather reports "' has grown from these sug- 
gestions. Maury's investigations also made possible the submarine telegraphs 
which now encircle the globe. He had come to believe that there was a plateau 
under the ocean between Newfoundland and Ireland. Congress sent vessels over 
the route, which ascertained the depth of the water, but not the character of its 
bed. John Mercer Brooke, of Virginia, however, invented a " deep-sea sounding 
apparatus," which brought up specimens of the materials lying at the bottom of 
the ocean. Shells so small and delicate that currents or moving creatures would 
destroy them were found all along the plateau, and showed that a telegraphic 
cable could lie there in safety. In 1858, the first submarine message passed be- 
tween Europe and America. Cyrus Field, to whose energy and perseverance suc- 
cess was finally due, at a banquet in New York, gave the history of it in the words: 
" Maury furnished the brains, England gave the money, and I did the work." 
The United States has never acknowledged or rewarded Maury's important work 
and the benefits done by it to her commerce and scientific reputation. 

14 



210 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Precident on March 4, 1857. In his inaugural address Mr. Bu- 
chanan approved the principles of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill as 
being entirely constitutional. Difficulties with the Mormons in 
Utah, and the increasing contention between the North and South 
made his administration one of anxiety and turmoil. 

The Mormons. — Joseph Smith founded the strange, half- 
heathen sect of the Mormons, in 1830. Smith professed to have 
received a revelation from Heaven, and to have dug out of the 
ground gold plates with the "Book of Mormon" engraved on 
them. The new proi:)het attracted followers who called them- 
selves "Latter Day Saints." 

The Land of the Honey Bee. — Smith, in 1843, pretended 
that a message from Heaven told the Mormon men to marry as 
many wives as they pleased, because women had no souls until 
they were married. This doctrine disgusted the people in Illi- 
nois, to which State they had been driven from Ohio and Mis- 
souri, and they also drove them out of their State. Smith was 
shot in a riot, and Brigham Young became the Mormon leader. 
He took his followers, some 20,000, across the Mississippi, and 
finally settled in Utah near the Great Salt Lake. This region 
then belonged to Mexico. The climate is good, and there are 
fertile valleys among the sandy deserts. The Mormons became 
very flourishing in their new home, which they called "Deseret," 
"The Land of the Honey Bee." 

Difficulty with the Mormons, 1857. — When the Territory 
of Utah was organized in 1857, Brigham Young was made the 
first governor. The principles and habits of the Mormons were 
different from those of the other American citizens. Polygamy, 
especially, was contrary to the laws of the land. Many difficul- 
ties, therefore, arose between the Mormon authorities and the 
United States officers, and Brigham Young was so active in 
driving the latter from Utah, that President Buchanan removed 
him and sent Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, with 1,700 sol- 
diers, to compel obedience to the national authority. The lit- 
tle army endured many hardships, and accomplished its object 
so well that Young came near moving further west with his peo- 



Buchanan's administration. 211 

pie. Unfortunately, commissioners from "Washington, instead 
of insisting on absolute submission from the Mormons, made 
terms of peace which were only observed until the troops were 
removed, and Brigham Young remained the chief authority 
among the Mormons, no matter who was the governor. Some 
of the evils of Mormonism have been checked by United States 
laws. 

Dred Scott Decision, 1856. — The question whether it was 
constitutional to carry slaves into the territories never came 
before the Supreme Court — the highest legal authority under 
the Constitution — until 1856. A negro called Dred Scott and 
his family had been carried by their master into a region north 
of 36'^ 30' — free under the Missouri Compromise — and had then 
been taken back to Missouri as slaves. Scott then claimed to 
be free, because he had been carried to a free territory. The 
Missouri courts sustained his claim, but the Supreme Court 
reversed their decree and pronounced the Missouri Compromise 
contrary to the Constitution ; that the territories were the 
common property of all the States, and that the government 
was bound to protect slave-property there, as much as houses 
and lands. This decision excited great anger among the friends 
of abolition, and was received with furious denunciation. The 
Southern people, on the other hand, were highly pleased to find 
their claim to a constitutional right in the territories confirmed 
by the Supreme Court. The decision widened the breach be- 
tween the two sections, and the strife between them became 
constantly more violent. 

Struggle Over Kansas. — The thirty-fifth Congress organized 
in December, with Orr, of South Carolina, as Speaker. The 
struggle in Congress, as to whether Kansas should be admitted 
as a slave-holding State continued, and was not settled for seve- 
ral years ; but it had caused a split in the Democratic party, 
which was very disastrous. 

Notable Events of 1859. — In this year Oregon became a 
State ; Washington Irving, who wrote the first American books 
that won a reputation in Europe, died ; the South was the vie- 



212 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tim of the most violent denunciation ever yet made against her, 
and, for the first time, armed force was used against the peace 
and Hves of her citizens.' 

John Brown's Raid, 1859. — Violent words were soon fol- 
lowed by violent deeds. The fanatic, John Brown, whose 
bloody deeds in Kansas have been mentioned, had an idea that 
with a little encouragement the negroes would gladly rise and 
massacre their masters, and he laid a plan to hel-p them to do 
it. A number of Abolitionists at the North, instead of trying 
to hinder Brown's wicked scheme, furnished him with money to 
buy arms for the negroes. There was a large United States 
armory at Harper's Ferry, in Virginia, and Brown chose that 
for his point of attack. He lived for a time in a cabin on a 
mountain in Maryland, not far from Harper's Ferry, and busied 
himself in collecting rifles and pistols by the hundred, ammuni- 
tion, clothing, and 1,500 pikes, made in Ohio, to distribute 
to the slaves who should rise at his call. He had with him three 
sons and thirteen other white men from the Northern States and 
from Canada, and five Northern negroes. On Sunday night, 

1 A story called " Uncle Tom's Cabin," written by Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, of 
Connecticut, was one of the powerful causes for this display of evil passions. 
Mrs. Stowe was a violent Abolitionist. She had never studied slavery as it really 
was, but she picked up isolated cases of wickedness and vice from a few news 
papers, and wrote a liarrowing tale founded on them, from wliich it appeared that 
cruelty and crime were the rules of life for all the slave-owners in the South. The 
book furnished the Abolitionists with a reason for their intolerance, and seemed 
to make it their sacred duty to oppose the Constitution and laws, as well as Uie 
decrees of the Supreme Court. Passion and prejudice grew rampant, and scoffed 
at allegiance to the government. " Uncle Tom " was republished in England, was 
translated into foreign languages, and its false pictures of Southern life were 
spread everywhere by abolition energy and fanaticism. The book aroused a 
righteous indignation at the South, and strenuous denial of its statements; but 
its malicious slanders had won the ear of tlie civilized world, which refused to 
listen to any account of things as they really were. To add to the agitation, Hin- 
ton Helper, of North Carolina, published and circulated hundreds of thousands of 
copies of a manifesto which threatened Southern slave-holders with the fiercest 
punishment. They were to be proscribed and despoiled. Not one of them would 
be allowed to hold office. They were to be tolerated neither by society nor the 
church. They were to be forced to free their slaves, and to give each negro sixty 
dollars, and if they dared defend themselves against such treatment were to be 
killed. This vindictive manifesto was endorsed by the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, and by sixty-four leading Republicans in Congress, which showed 
what measures the South must expect from that party. 



Buchanan's administration. 213 

October 16th, Brown and his twenty-one men took possession of 
the armory at Harper's Ferry, and also captured the watchman 
on the great railroad bridge. Some of the party then went to 
the plantations in the neighborhood, seized and carried off the 
owners, the slaves, horses, carriages and wagons. Very soon 
they had made sixty prisoners. The negroes, however, did not 
join the invaders, as they had expected, and this disappointment 
angered them so that they began murdering helpless people. 
They first shot a negro employed on the railroad who refused 
to join them, and then killed the mayor of the town and several 
citizens of the neighborhood. 

Brown Captured and Hung. — On hearing of the outrage, 
men from the surrounding country attacked Brown and his 
party. Some of them escaped to the mountains, the rest barri- 
caded themselves and their prisoners inside a strong engine- 
house and fired at their assailants without being exposed them- 
selves. The volunteers were afraid to make a forcible attack on 
the engine-house, lest they might injure the prisoners, who were 
their friends and neighbors. By nightfall Colonel Eobert E. Lee 
arrived from Washington, bringing with him 100 United States 
troops. Brown was summoned to surrender, but refused to do 
so unless he and his men were permitted to carry their prison- 
ers safely to Pennsylvania. Colonel Lee then ordered an assault 
upon the building, which was soon taken with the loss of one 
soldier killed and several wounded. Brown and his men fought 
like tigers. The old man and one son were wounded, another 
son was slain; two men escaped, but were captured in Pennsyl- 
vania and sent back to Virginia; and five were captured in the 
engine-house and given up to the Virginia authorities. These 
were imprisoned in the county jail at Charlestown, and were 
afterwards given fair trials, in which they were defended by able 
lawyers. They were, however, proved absolutely guilty of trea- 
son, murder and inciting slaves to insurrection, and were justly 
hung ; Brown on December 2nd, and the others on the 16th. 
The old man continued fierce and vindictive to the last. 

Northern Sympathy for John Brown. — Instead of this 



214 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

outrage exciting condemnation in all the States, the Abolition 
party at the North expressed the greatest sympathy and admira- 
tion for Brown. They clamored that the fanatic who had tried 
to carry murder and outrage into thousands of homes should be 
pardoned. They made so many threats of rescue that hundreds 
of Virginia volunteers were brought to guard the jail and gal- 
lows. When the execution took place, funeral guns were fired 
and bells tolled, in the Northern cities, in honor of the mur- 
derer. Services were held in churches, in which Brown was 
extolled as a martyr. Some even went so far as to liken him to 
the Savior dying for his people, and Governor Wise, of Virginia, 
to Pontius Pilate, because he caused the laws to be vindicated. 

Questions. — 1. "Who became President in 1857 ? 2. What did he say of the 
Kansas-Nebraska Bill in his inaiigiiral address? 3. Why was his adminis- 
tration one of anxiety and turmoil ? 4. Who were the Mormons ? 5. Why 
did they wander from place to place, and where did they finally settle? 

6. What difficulties arose between the government and the Mormons? 

7. What celebrated case came up before the Supreme Courtin 1856 ? 8. How 
was it decided, and how was the decision received by the country ? 9. IIow 
did this decision affect the claims of the Southern people? 10. Whatstnig- 
gle continued in Congress over Kansas? 11. What four notable events of 
1859 are mentioned? 13. Tell of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and the effects 
produced by it (note). 13. With what did Ilinton Helper's manifesto 
threaten the South (note) ? 14. Tell of John Brown's raid and its bloody 
consequences. 15. Tell of his capture and execution. 16. What was the 
feeling of the Abolitionists at the North towards him ? 17. Find all the 
places on the map, 

Authorities. — Ilililreth's History of the United States, Vol. IH., IV., V., VI.; Schouler's History of the United 
States, Vol. I., II., III., IV., v.; McMaster's History of the American People, Vol. I , II., III.; Von Hoist's Con- 
stitutional History of the United States, Vol. VI., VII.; Hhode's History of the Unilcil States, Vol. II.; John- 
ston's Constitution and Hi.story of the United States; Uidpath's Popular History of the United States; Winsor's 
Narrative and Critical History of the United States, Vol. VII.; Irving's Life of Wa.«hington ; Rives's Life of 
Ntadison; Madis<in Pajiers ; Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Adams, American Statesmen Series; William Wirt 
Henry's Life of Patriik Henry; Rowland's Memoirs of George Mason; letters and Times of the Tylers; Clay, 
Calhoun, Webster, American Statesmen Series; Partou's Life of Andrew Jackson ; Annals of Confrress; Conjfres- 
sional Records; Benton's Thirty Years in the Senate ; Memoir of Matthew F Maury, hy his Daughter, Diana Cor- 
liin; S. S. Cox's Throe Decades of Constitutional Lcgislalinn ; Lalor's Cyclopedia of Political Science ; Woodrow 
Wilson's Division and Reunion ; Memoir of Albert Sidney Johnston, by his Son ; Appleton's Kncyclopcdia ; Ste- 
phen's War Between the .States; Memoir of Jefferson Davis, by his Wife; Encyclopedia of American Biography; 
Wilcox's History of the Mexican War, 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 215 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 



Country Under thb Confederation. — The country after the Revolu- 
tion; Congress helpless; Confederation of 1774; ^'irginia's right to the 
Northwest ; generosity of Virginia ; first tariff ; distracted state of the 
country; Annapolis Convention, 1786. 

Making the Constitution. — The Federal Convention, 1787; members of 
the convention ; meeting of the convention with closed doors ; differences of 
opinion ; first compromise ; second compromise ; third compromise — con- 
tinuance of slave-trade ; other regulations ; signing of the Constitution, 1787 ; 
ratification of the Constitution ; fifteen amendments ; the Father of the Con- 
stitution (note). 

Washington's Administration, 1789-1797. — Beginning of constitutional 
government, 1789 ; work of the Continental Congress ; Northwest territory 
to be free from slavery ; settling the West ; Washington first President ; 
his journey to New York ; first inauguration, 1789 ; first Federal Congress ; 
providing a revenue; protective tariff; revenue and tonnage bills passed ; 
Hamilton's financial policy, 1790 ; petition of the Quakers to abolish slavery ; 
first census of the United States, 1790 (note) ; Washington's tours (note) ; 
St. Clair's defeat, 1791 ; re-election of Washington and Adams, 1793 ; war 
with England threatened, 1793; sympathy with France; Citizen Genet; 
American ships stopped by the British ; Jay's treaty, 1794 ; Indian war, 
1794; Whiskey insurrection, 1794; Washington's farewell to the people, 
1796 ; his death, 1799 ; Vermont and Kentucky admitted to the Union, 1791 
and 1793. 

Adams's Administration, 1797-1801 — Progress of the Country. — Elec- 
tion of John Adams ; administration of John Adams ; threatened difficulty 
with France ; Alien and Sedition laws ; Chief-Justice Marshall ; progress of 
the country — Tennessee becomes a State, 1796 ; increase of population ; 
material development; Whitney's cotton-gin ; seat of government removed 
to Washington, 1800 ; education and literature ; growth of the churches. 

Jefferson's Administration, 1801-1809. — Jefferson becomes President, 
1801 ; his belief in democracy ; purchase of Louisiana, 1803 ; opposition of 
New England to Louisiana purchase; war with Tripoli, 1803 : Decatur and 
the Philadelphia (note) ; explorations of Lewis and Clarke, 1804 ; duel be- 
tween Hamilton and Burr (note) ; Burr's conspiracy, 1805-1807 (note) ; com- 
mercial troubles; establishment of the University of Virginia; Ohio be- 
comes a State, 1803; Fulton's steamboat, 1809— Fitch and Rumsey (note). 



216 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Madison'8 Administration, 1809-1817. — Madison's administration; bat- 
tle of Tippecanoe, 1811; war against England, 1812; engagements on sea 
and land; Raisin River, 1813; the Chempenke captured ; battle of Lake Erie; 
battle of the Thames; FortMimms, Alabama, 1813; Horseshoe Bend, 1813; 
Chippewaand Luiidy's Lane, 1814 ; British attacks on the coast 1814 ; burning 
of Washington, 1814; McDonough's victory, 1814; GeneralJackson fortifies 
New Orleans; battle of New Orleans, 1815; Hartford Convention, 1815; 
the Barbarj' States chastised, 1815 ; Louisiana and Indiana become States. 

Monroe's Administration, 1817-1825. — James Monroe President, 1817; 
"era of good feeling" ; pirates and Indians in the South; Jackson's popu- 
larity; Florida ceded to the United States, 1819; growth and prosperity; 
admission of Mississippi, 1817 — Illinois, 1818 — Alabama, 1819 ; the Ameri- 
can system; sectional hostility, 1820; agitation of the slavery question; 
Southern views of slavery ; question of IVIissouri ; Missouri and Maine, 
1820; Missouri Compromise — Maine admitted, 1820 — Missouri, 1821; Mon- 
roe Doctrine ; steamers on the Lakes and the Ocean ; Lafayette's visit, 
1824 (note). 

John Quincy Adams's Administration, 1824-1829. — Election of John 
Quincy Adams ; removal of the Cherokees, 1826 ; death of Jefferson and the 
elder Adams, 1826 ; Bill of Abominations (note). 

Andrew Jackson's Administration, 1829-1837. — Election and character 
of the seventh President ; party conventions ; Jackson opposes the Amer- 
ican system ; opening of railroads, 1830; nullification threatened by South 
Carolina, 1830; nullification debate; ordinance of nullification, 1832; 
tariff compromise ; Jackson and the United States Bank ; continued agita- 
tion of the slavery question ; Nat Turner's insurrection ; Black Hawk war, 
1832; Florida war, 1835; Jackson's farewell; Arkansas admitted to the 
Union, 1836; Michigan, 1837. 

Van Buren's Administration, 1837-1841. — Van Buren the eighth Presi- 
dent, 1837 ; financial crash of 1837 ; State rights resolutions in Congress, 
1838 ; Abbei-ton's resolutions, 1838 ; ocean steamships, 1838 ; Wilkes's expe- 
dition, 1838 (note); General Harrison elected President, 1840; HaiTison's 
death, 1841 ; Tyler's administration, 1841-1845 ; John Tyler, President, 
1841; Mr. Tyler's vetoes ; Dorr's rebellion, 1842; the Princeton catastro- 
phe, 1844 (note); magnetic telegraph ; Treaty with China, 1844; Texas set- 
tled; The Alamo, 1836; massacre at Goliad, 1836; battle of San Jacinto; 
annexation of Texas, 1845 ; Florida admitted to the Union,' 1845. 

Polk's Administration, 1845-1849. — Army of occupation; beginning of 
the Mexican War, 1846 ; battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, 
1846 ; three armies against Mexico ; Fremont's capture of California, 1846 ; 
General Scott sent to Vera Cmz ; battle of Buena Vista, 1847 ; surrender of 
Vera Cruz, 1847 ; Ceri'o Gofdo ; march on Mexico ; Mexico captured, 1847 ; 
peace, 1848; gold discovered in California, 1848; Vigilance Committees; 
Iowa admitted to the Union, 1846 ; Wisconsin, 1848. 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 217 

Taylor's Administration, 1849-1850. — Progress of the country ; popu- 
lation and industries ; schools and churches ; the slavery question ; difficulty 
of freeing the slaves ; Wilmot Proviso ; the South and the territories ; Gen- 
eral Zachary Taylor, President, 1849; California's irregular constitution, 
1849 ; strife in Congress ; Omnibus Bill ; debate between Calhoun and Web- 
ster ; deaths of Calhoun and Taylor. 

Fillmore's Administration, 1850-1853. — The " Irrepressible Conflict " ; 
foreign immigration (note) ; where these immigrants went (note); deaths 
of Clay and Webster ; 1852 ; Perry's expedition to Japan, 1852. 

Pierce's Administration, 1853-1857. — Franklin Pierce, the fourteenth 
President, 1853 ; routes to California ; personal liberty laws ; Kansas-Ne- 
braska Bill, 1854; riot in Boston— " Kansas Bibles"; reign of terror in 
Kansas, 1855 ; John Brown at Ossawatomie, 1856 ; Know-Nothing party ; 
Republican party ; some achievements of science ; Matthew F. Maury and 
his work (note); Brussels Congress, 1858; weather reports; Maury and 
the submarine telegraph. 

Buchanan's Administration, 1857-1861. — Buchanan becomes President, 
1857 ; the Mormons ; The Land of the Honey Bee ; difficulty with the Mor- 
mons, 1857; Dred Scott Decision, 1856; struggle over Kansas; notable 
events of 1859 ; " Uncle Tom's Cabin" (note) ; Helper's Manifesto (note) ; 
John Brown's raid, 1859 ; Brown captured and hung ; Northern sympa- 
thy for John Brown. 

The Slavery Question Under the Constitution. — Negro representa- 
tion — second compromise ; third compromise — continuation of the African 
slave-trade ; slavery prohibited in the Northwest Territory ; Quakers peti- 
tion for the abolition of slavery ; Whitney's cotton-gin ; extinction of Afri- 
can slave-trade ; sectional hostility ; agitation of the slavery question ; 
Southern views of slaveiy ; question of Missouri ; Missouri and Maine ; 
Missouri Compromise ; continued agitation of the slavery question ; Nat. 
Turner's insurrection ; State-rights resolutions in Congress ; Abberton's 
resolutions ; annexation of Texas ; the slavery question ; difficulty of free- 
ing the slaves ; Wilmot Proviso ; the South and the territories ; Omnibus 
Bill ; debate between Calhoun and Webster ; Irrepressible conflict ; Frank- 
lin Pierce, the fourteenth President ; Personal Liberty Laws ; Kansas- 
Nebraska Bill; riot in Boston—" Kansas Bibles," 1854; reign of terror in 
Kansas, 1855; John Brown at Ossawatomie, 1856; Dred Scott decision, 
1856; struggle over Kansas; notable events of 1859; "Uncle Tom's 
Cabin " ; Helper's manifesto ; John Brown's raid, 1859 ; Brown captured 
and hung ; Northern sympathy for John Brown. 




NEW INVENTIONS CONTRASTED WITH THE OLD. 

\~^i*^,^!''^® ^°*°^- 2. Interior of a drawing-room car. S. The telephone. 4. The phono- 
graph. 5. The telegraph. 6. The first printing press. 7. Hoe perfecting press. 8. Bob-tan 
mule car. 9. Electric street car. 10. Harvesting with scythe and sickle. 11. Combined reaper 



CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION, 1861-1895. 



CHAPTEK XLII. 

FORMATION OF SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. 

Effects of John Brown's Raid. — The whole South was 
alarmed by the secrecy with which John Brown's operations 
had been carried out. Volunteer companies of soldiers were 
organized throughout the Southern States to defend their 
homes from similar outrage. Congress set on foot an inquiry 
into the case. The Northern members who were conservative 
strongly condemned Brown's course, but many of their col- 
leagues sympathized with him, though they might not approve 
his methods. 

Davis's Resolutions, 1860. — Mr. Jefferson Davis, of Mis- 
sissippi, introduced into the Senate a series of resolutions 
expressing the views of the South. They stated that the Con- 
stitution had been ratified by each State as an independent sove- 
reignty ; that it recognized slavery as an important element of 
power in the South ; that aU the States and their citizens had 
equal rights in the Territories, which the Congress was bound 
to protect ; that the people of each Territory had the right to 
decide whether it should become a free or slave-holding State, 
and that the constitutional provision and repeated laws for 
restoring fugitive slaves to their masters should be rigidly 
observed. These resolutions passed the Senate by a large 
majority. 

Election of 1860. — The Democratic Convention met in 
Charleston, South Carolina. Had it been all of one mind it 
might have ensured peace in the land for four more years. 
But, unhappily, the Northern and Southern members differed 
so widely on the slavery question, that the convention divided 
into two separate bodies. The Northern Democrats nominated 

. [219] 



220 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, and the Southern Democrats 
John C Breckinridge, of Kentucky ; while the American party 
nominated John Bell, of Tennessee. These three candidates 
so divided the anti-Eepublicans that the Republican nominee, 
Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, received the majority of votes in 






»*<»»t4iila^;:: 



- ■ *B^*^~ 



ABBAHAU LINCOLN. 



the Electoral College, although the popular majority against 
him was nearly a mUIion. Not a single State south of the Ohio 
Eiver voted for him, so that he was elected by sixteen States 
only, all of them belonging to the northern half of the Union. 
General Washington, in his "Farewell Address," had warned 
the country of the evils which sectional legislation would bring 



FORMATION OF SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. 221 

upon it. Now, for the first time, a sectional President was 
elected by a sectional party, and the results proved how true 
was Washington's foresight. 

Abraham Lincoln, 1860. — Abraham Lincoln was of obscure 
parentage, of an uncouth appearance and awkward manners. 
His early education was very limited, but as he grew older he 
improved himself by studying a few good books — the Bible, 
Shakespeare, and geometry especially. The first two taught 
him to use good English, and from the latter he learned to rea- 
son logically. He had a good mind, a strong character, and sin- 
cere convictions. With a keen sense of humor and a fearless 
disposition, he became a good speaker, with an inexhaustible 
store of anecdotes and illustrations; and was in every way 
fitted to be a successful leader of his party. He held strongly 
the ultra-Republican doctrines, that the South had no right to 
carry slavery into the territories, and that there must be a tariff 
which would protect American manufacturers. His opposition 
to slavery, and his strange belief that the Union was older than 
the States which united, or the Constitution which they made, 
carried him from the Whig party — his first political choice — into 
the Republican ranks. His political ambition was great. He 
had already been a representative from Illinois, and had aspired 
to the Senate. Two years before this he had said that as a 
"house divided against itself," the Union could not stand, but 
must become all free or all slave-holding. 

Secession a Necessity. — The threats and denunciations 
against them in Congress and throughout the North, and the 
open and boastful violations of the Constitution in that section, 
convinced the Southern States that they could no longer hope 
to retain their rights and their independence within the Union. 
They had no desire for war, and no purpose of trespassing on 
the rights and liberties of the other States ; but they felt it their 
duty to vindicate their own, and they determined to reclaim the 
powers they had yielded to the Federal Government when they 
acceded to the Constitution, and to exercise their right to with- 
draw from the Union, a right not " trumped up " for the occa- 



222 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

sion, but which had been asserted from the very origin of the 
government, and which on more than one occasion the states- 
men of New England had threatened to exercise. 

Secession of South Carolina, 1860. — South Carolina was 
the first to take the momentous step. Her convention met, as 
soon as the election of Mr. Lincoln was certain, and passed, on 
December 20th, an "Ordinance of Secession" which separated 
the State from the Union and took back all the powers she had 
entrusted to the Federal Government in 1788. The Gulf States 
promptly followed her. Mississippi seceded on the 9th, Florida 
on the 10th, Alabama on the 11th, Georgia on the 19th, and 
Louisiana on the 26th of January, 1861, and Texas a few days 
later on February 1st. These seven States thus left the Union 
before Mr. Lincoln's inauguration, giving as their reason that 
by his election the Northern States declared their purpose to 
continue their violations of the Constitution, and to prevent 
the South from exercising the rights reserved to them in that 
document. 

Mr. Buchanan's Views. — Before secession was an accom- 
plished fact the thirty-sixth Congress met. In his annual mes- 
sage Mr Buchanan spoke of the alarming condition of affairs. 
He thought that no State had the right to leave the Union ; but 
that if she did, the Federal Government had no power to 
coerce her, and he ui-ged Congress to make concessions which 
might reconcile the hostile sections. 

Crittenden Resolutions. — As a step towards reconciliation, 
Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky, projjosed to amend the Constitu- 
tion by engrafting into it the provisions of the Missouri Com- 
promise, which the Supreme Court had declared contrary to its 
original provisions. Under this amendment the country north 
of 36° 30' should be absolutely free; south of that line, slaves 
could be taken into the territories, and the people decide whe- 
ther they would retain slavery on becoming States. Slave pro- 
perty was to be protected, and the value of a fugitive slave i^aid 
in money, if he were not returned to his owner. The Southern 
members and the Northern conservatives were satisfied with 



FORMATION OF SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. 223 

this proposition, but none of Mr. Lincoln's supporters would 
agree to it. 

Different Opinions at the North. — There were many North- 
ern people who believed in the right of secession and the un- 
lawfulness of coercion. Leading newspapers and politicians 
avowed that if a State chose to withdraw from the Union, there 
must be no attempt to force her to remain in it. They said 
that " compromise or peaceable separation " would avert strife 
and prevent coercion. But the anti-Southern men took oppo- 
site ground. They favored the most extreme measures. Some 
said that " a little blood-letting " would make the Union stronger; 
others professed to believe that the South neither wished nor 
dared to maintain an independent course. Whether intending 
war or not, their leaders relentlessly pushed the South to the 
wall. 

The Southern Leaders. — The secession of the Southern 
States was not the act of only the "fire-eaters," as the extreme 
secessionists were called in derision. It was done under the 
guidance of the wisest and gravest of the Southern citizens — 
men who loved the Union only less than their States, and who 
would gladly have remained in it if the freedom and honor of 
those States could thus have been preserved. They had sought 
in vain to obtain simple justice from the stronger half of the 
republic, and now saw no hope for their independence but in 
severing their connection with the Union. The farewell speeches 
of the congressmen from the seceded States, 
when they took leave of their associates to fol- 
low their States, show how solemnly they felt 
and how deeply they appreciated the import- 
ance of the step they were taking. 

Southern Confederacy Organized, 1861. 
Delegates from the seceded States met at 
Montgomery, Alabama, on February 4th. A ^''"^-"(^ 
provisional constitution for the " Confederate ^- h- Stephens. 
States " was drawn up, and Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was 
elected President, and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice- 




224 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



President of the new Conf edei-acy. To show the Southern desire 
for peace, commissioners were sent at once to Washington to 
ask for j^eaceable relations with the United States, and a peace- 
able settlement, founded on justice, of the questions which must 
arise between the severed sections of the original republic. 

Jeiferson Dayis. — Jefferson Davis was born in Kentucky, in 
1808, and was about two years older than Abraham Lincoln. 




JEFFERSON DAVIS 



He was a graduate of "West Point, and served for several years in 
the army. In 1832, when Black Hawk surrendered. Lieutenant 
Davis conveyed him and his warriors to St. Louis. Davis left 
the army in 1835, and became a cotton-planter in Mississippi. 



rORMATION OF SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. 225' 

He was in Congress when the Mexican war broke out, but was 
made colonel of a Mississippi regiment which did gallant ser- 
vice, especially at Buena Vista, where he was badly wounded. 
For years he was in the United States Senate, and, during Mr. 
Pierce's administration, was Secretary of War. The Honor- 
able Caleb Cushing, of Massachusetts, characterized him as 
"eloquent among the most eloquent in debate, wise among the 
wisest in counsel, and brave among the bravest on the battle- 
field." He was a conservative man, and, though a strong State- 
rights man, he had striven earnestly to maintain those rights 
in the Union ; but he believed that the election of a sectional 
President, now compelled the Southern States to secede. His 
fai-ewell to. the United States Senate moved his opponents to 
tears. The position of President of the Southern Confederacy 
was one of exceeding difficulty. He was too loyal to constitu- 
tional liberty to exercise arbitrary power, as Mr. Lincoln did 
with great success ; and he proved himself an earnest, unselfish, 
devoted patriot, against whose character and motives no serious 
charge could be brought. His afterlife was one prolonged 
martyrdom to the cause he had espoused. 

Peace Congress, 1861. — Virginia, which had sacrificed so 
much to secure the Union, was most anxious to preserve it. To 
that end, her Legislature, early in 1861, called a "Peace Con- 
gress" to assemble in Washington, sending to it five of her 
soundest statesmen, one of whom was the venerable Ex-Presi- 
dent Tyler. Twenty-three States took part in this Congress, 
and some of them hoped to effect a satisfactory compromise. 
All their propositions were, however, rejected by Congress, and 
it proved impossible to bring about an amicable settlement of 
the differences between the disagreeing sections. 

The Forts in the South. — The forts within the seceded 
States had been built on ground granted by them to the United 
States, for their own defence. They considered that, when they 
withdrew from the Union, this property reverted to them, and 
they took possession of all of it except the defences at Charles- 
ton and the forts on the Florida coast ; and these they made 
overtures to obtain from the Federal Government without strife. 
15 



226 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Fort Sumter Garrisoned by the United States.— South 
Carolina thought she was assured by President Buchanan that 
if she did not interfere with the garrison in Charleston Harbor, 
he would not reinforce it. Major Anderson was, however, ordered 
by the President to remove the garrison from Fort Moultrie into 
the stronger works at Fort Sumter, and to destroy Moultrie as 
far as possible. Troops and supplies were also sent to Ander- 
son, but the steamer, Star of the West, which carried them was 
fired on and turned back. General Cass, Secretary of State, had 
resigned because Anderson was not reinforced, and now General 
Floyd, Secretary of War, resigned because such an attempt was 
made. 

Questions. — 1. What was the effect upon the country of John Brown's 
raid? 2. What resolutions introduced by Mr. Davis were passed by tho 
Senate in 1860 ? 3. Tell of the candidates and thc3 election for President in 
1800. 4. Give a sketch of Abraham Lincoln's life. 5. What were his po- 
litical views ? 6. Why had secession become a necessity ? 7. Which State 
seceded first, and when? 8. How many and which States followed her ex- 
ample? 9. What reasons did they give for acting so promptly? 10. What 
were ]\Ir. Buchanan's views on this subject? 11. What resolutions were 
introduced in Congress by ]\Ir. Crittenden, of Kentucky? 12. What oppo- 
site opinions were held even at the North ? 13. What sort of men were the 
Southern leaders? 14. Tell of the formation of the Southern Confederacy 
in 1861. 15. Who were elected its President and Vice-President ? 16. How 
did the new government show its desire for peace ? 17. Give a sketch of 
the life of Jefferson Davis. 18. What efforts were made by Virginia to se- 
cure peace? 19. How many States joined in the Peace Congress, and how 
did it result? 20. What was done with the forts in the South? 21. Tell 
of Major Anderson and Fort Sumter. 22. Find on the map all the places 
mentioned. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, 1861. 

Lincoln's Inaugural Address, 1861.— Mr. Lincoln came 

secretly to Washington to escape a rumored danger of assas- 
sination, and was guarded to his inauguration by United States 



Lincoln's administration. 227 

soldiers. In the inaugural address, the new President declared 
that " no State can lawfully get out of the Union ;" that " the 
Union of the States is perpetual," and that he should " take care 
that all the laws of the Union should be faithfully executed in 
all the States." His utterances were so threatening that the 
Virginia Convention in session in Richmond sent a delegation 
to ask what he meant by them. Mr. Lincoln replied that the 
military posts in the seceded States still belonged to the Fed- 
eral Government, and that he should do his best to repossess 
them. This was a distinct statement that he would attempt coer- 
sion, at least to a limited extent. 

Renewed EflForts for Peaceable Relations. — The Southern 
commissioners renewed their application for recognition of the 
Southern Confederacy, and a peaceable settlement of their dif- 
ferences. What to do with the Southern forts was the first 
pressing question. Mr. Douglas, of Illinois, who was opposed 
to secession, took the ground that to recapture and hold them 
would make it necessary to subjugate the States in which they 
were situated, and he, therefore, advised that the United States 
troops should be withdrawn from all except Key West and the 
Dry Tortugas, The Southern Confederacy certainly did exist, 
and though they regretted it, he and his party wished to estab- 
lish peaceable relations with it. General Scott also advised 
that the forts should be evacuated, and Major Anderson asked 
that his garrison should be withdrawn from Sumter. 

Plan to Reinforce Sumter, 1861. — These counsels for peace 
did not prevail. Mr. Lincoln had formed his Cabinet of men 
who were extreme in their views toward the South. Mr. Sew- 
ard, Secretary of State, put ofif the commissioners with evasive 
answers, but assurance was given to Justice Campbell, of the 
Supreme Court, first, that Sumter would be evacuated ; then, 
that " faith as to Sumter would be fully kept " ; then, that he 
must "wait and see." While this was going on, it was learned 
at Charleston that an expedition was coming from New York 
with men and provisions for Sumter. The governor of South 
Carolina was notified by the government at Washington, that 




228 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

"an attempt would be made to supply Sumter with provisions, 
peaceably if they could, forcibly if they must"; and that if 
there was no resistance to this, the garrison would not be rein- 
forced "without further notice." As armed 
vessels carrying troops were already on the 
way, such "notice " was no doubt to be given 
when they reached the harbor. A storm 
which delayed these ships gave time for the 
Confederate authorities to demand the surren- 
der of Fort Sumter. On the night of April 
11th, General Beauregard, commanding at 
p. G. T. BEAUEEGARD. charfeston, summoued Major Anderson to 
surrender it. He refused, but said he would evacuate the fort 
in a few days, unless he received "instructions from his govern- 
ment" or "additional supplies." In reply to a subsequent 
message, he refused to indicate any time at which the fort 
would be evacuated. 

Bombardment of Sumter an Act of Self-Defence.— The 
relief fleet was only kept out of the harbor by adverse gales. 
There was not a moment to lose, and Beauregard's batteries 
opened on Sumter in the early morning of April 12th. After 
being bombarded for thirty-three hours, the garrison surren- 
dered. The fort was battered to pieces and set on fire by the 
fierce cannonading, but the only persons hurt were one man 
killed and others wounded by the bursting of a gun. The South 
has been charged with "beginning the war," because she fired 
on Sumter. But the real beginning of it was when, in viola- 
tion of assurances solemnly given, armed Federal vessels and 
troops were sent by the Federal Government to Charleston. 
Sumter was attacked in pure self-defence. 

Why the Struggle for Southern Independence was Neces- 
sary, — Before we begin the story of the struggle for Southern 
independence we will look again at the causes which made it 
necessary. It is usually charged that the South undertook it to 
preserve slavery, and to bring on the African slave-trade again. 
This is wholly false. From the first there had been differences 



Lincoln's administration. 229 

of opinion as to which was the source of power, the States or 
the Union. The interests of the North and the South had 
always been opposed to each other. The high tariffs for the 
protection and encouragement of Northern manufactures were 
so injurious to the agricultural interests of the South that she 
steadily contended against them. In addition to these diversi- 
ties the Northern leaders had almost always favored "centrali- 
zation," or giving the largest powers to the National Govern- 
ment ; while the Southerners generally held that the Constitu- 
tion recognized absolute inherent rights which belonged to the 
sovereign and independent States, and that the government was 
bound to protect them. The large influx of foreign population, 
which had neither State attachments nor State pride, increased 
the Northern preference for a strong central government. In 
the Southern States the party which always held Mr. Jefferson's 
strong State-rights opinions never hesitated to defend them. 

Slavery Recognized by the Constitution. — The Constitu- 
tion was founded on certain recognized rights of the States. 
Slavery was one of these which it was bound to protect. At 
the time of its adoption, in 1787, almost all the States still 
held slaves. Their disappearance from New England and the 
Northern States had been a matter of interest and not of prin- 
ciple, because negro labor did not pay there, as it did in the 
South. Slavery was considered inexpedient and injurious, but 
the opinion that it was a moral wrong did not prevail before the 
days of Garrison and his followers, who pronounced it to be 
"the sum of all iniquity." With commendable candor they 
acknowledged that the Constitution favored it, and was, there- 
fore, "a covenant with death and a league with hell," which 
must be abandoned. By degrees crafty politicians engi-afted 
the Abolitionist doctrine of the "sin of slavery" into their plat- 
forms, to increase the opposition to the South which jealousy 
of her civilization and prosperity rendered still more intense. 

Yiews of the Southern People. — All the outcry against 
slavery had made the Southern people study the subject, and 
they reached the conclusion that it was not contrary to the law 



230 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of God. They believed that the evils connected with it were 
less than those of any other system of labor. Hundreds of 
thousands of African savages had been Christianized under its 
influence, and many persons considered it the greatest mis- 
sionary agent the world had ever known. The Idndest relations 
existed between the slaves and their owners. A cruel and 
neglectful master or mistress was rarely ever found. The sense 
of responsibility pressed heavily on the slave-owners, and they 
generally did the best they could for the j)hysical and religious 
welfare of their people. The bondage in which the negroes 
were held was not thought a wrong to them, because they were 
better off than any other menial class in the world. This is 
not an apology or defence of slavery ; it is telling you how the 
noble-minded people of the South regarded it in 1861. 

Mr. Lincoln's Yiews. — Mr. Lincoln was, in the beginning, 
unwilling to have the question of slavery considered one of the 
principal causes of the war, and admitted that the right to hold 
slaves was guaranteed by the Constitution. Later on he acted on 
'the ground that emancipation had become "a military necessity." 

Slavery Under the Confederacy. — The Constitution of the 
Confederate States expressly forbade the African slave-trade to 
be re-opened ; and while it gave slave-holders a right to carry 
their slaves into any territory belonging to the Confederacy, it 
also provided that the territories might become either free or 
slave-holding States, according to the will of their inhabitants. 

War not to Preserve Slavery. — You see, then, that the 
Southern States did not secede from the Union to preserve or 
extend slavery. But they did it because they had vainly striven 
to maintain the rights guaranteed to them under the Constitu- 
tion. The determination of the Northern States that the South 
should not have equal rights in the territories was in no way 
shaken by the decision of the Supreme Court against them. 
They persisted in their purpose to control the government only 
in accordance with their own will. When Mr. Lincoln was 
elected by a party founded on hostility to the Southern States, 
the crisis came, and they took their affairs into their own hands 



Lincoln's administration. 231 

and left the Union. In view of the facts, their enemies are con- 
strained to acknowledge that the Constitution sanctioned the 
rights they claimed, but opposition to these rights they justify 
by an appeal to what they call the "Higher Law." 

Questions. — 1. Tell of Mr. Lincoln's coming to Washington, and of his 
inaugural address. 2. What did he say about the Southern foi-ts? 3. What 
did Mr. Douglas wish to be done to secure peace ? 4. What was done at 
Washijigton about Fort Sumter? 5. Who was the Federal commander 
there? 6. Who was the Federal commander at Charleston, and what 
demand did he make upon Major Anderson? 7. What was Anderson's 
reply? 8. Tell of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. 9. Did the South 
begin the war? 10. What causes made this struggle necessary? 11. What 
two parties had always existed in the country ? 12. Why did slavery cease 
at the North? 13. What did the Abolitionists call the Constitution for 
allowing slavery ? 14. What were the views of the Southern people on the 
subject? 15. What opinions did Mr. Lincoln hold? 16. What did the 
Confederate Constitution say of slavery? 17. Did the South fight to pre- 
serve slavery ? 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED, 1861— BEGINNING OF THE WAR 
FOR STATE RIGHTS. 

Seventy-five Thousand Men Called for, 1861.— On April 
15th, the day after the surrender of Sumter, President Lincoln 
called for 75,000 men from the different States, "to suppress 
combinations in the seceded States too powerful for the law to 
contend with." The "war governors" of the Northern States 
eagerly obeyed the call for troops to coerce their " erring sis- 
ters." The governors of the Southern States still remaining in 
the Union, replied at once to Mr. Lincoln that their States would 
not furnish a soldier for any such purpose. 

Other States Secede. — Most of the members of the Virginia 
Convention loved the Union, and had up to this time refused to 
vote on the question of secession. Now they were obliged to choose 



232 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

between leaving the Union and fighting against their Southern 
neighbors. They quickly decided never to do the latter, and on 
the night of April 17th, passed an Ordinance of Secession by a 
large majority. Those who voted against it were mostly from 
the western part of the State, where many Northern men had 
settled who held the oi^inions of Ohio and Pennsylvania. North 
Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas followed Yirginia's example, 
and, in a short time, all four States joined the Southern Con- 
federacy. There were four other slave-holding States which 
never seceded, Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri. 
Delaware symjjathized with the North, the other three tried to 
remain neutral, but were brought under Federal control by 
force. Many soldiers were furnished by them to the Southern 
army, and bloody battles were fought on their soil. The Mary- 
land Legislature was imprisoned by the United States military 
authorities to prevent their taking the State out of the Union. 
Missouri was kept from seceding by strong Federal measures. 
The Contest Unequal from the First. — Both sides were 
unprepared for the war, but the North had immense advantages 
over the South. It possessed 20,000,000 peo- 
ple, a regular army, an orga,nized navy, arse- 
nals, manufactories of arms and powder-mills, 
and soon engaged the sympathy of the world 
by its specious outcry against slavery and 
rebellion. The South, with only 9,000,000 
of people, 0,000,000 whites and 3,000,000 
negroes, was without an army or navy, and 
GEN. s. COOPER. y^^^ almost no means of making arms or pow- 
der. After "the John Brown raid" the Southern States had 
been given their share of the arms in the national arsenals, but 
the guns were old-fashioned and indifferent, and nothing like 
enough to supply an army. 

Confederate Soldiers. — In the ability of her officers and the 
devotion of her people, the Confederacy was fully equal to her 
opponents. Most of the Southern officers in the army and 
navy at once obeyed the call of their native States, to which 




Lincoln's administration. 



283 



they felt they owed the highest allegiance. Most prominent 
among them were General Samuel Cooper, the adjutant-general 
of the Federal army ; Robert 
E. Lee, Joseph E. Johnston, 
and Albert Sidney Johnston. 
Lee was made commander- 
in-chief of the Virginia 
forces ; Joseph E. Johnston 
was put in command at Har- 
per s Ferry, and to Albert 
Sidney Johnston was en- 
crusted the chief military 
authority in the West. The 
"contagion of a generous 
patriotism " filled the hearts 
of the people from the Po- 
tomac to the Rio Grande, 
and soldiers of every rank 
and age pressed forward to 
defend their country. "Wo- 
men of every degree shared 
the enthusiasm, and courage- 
ously, though sadly, sent 
their loved ones to the army. 

Seizure of Harper's Ferry and the Gosport Navy- Yard.— 
Virginia promptly took possession of the armory at Harper's 
Ferry and the Gosport navy-yard at Norfolk. Great quantities 
of arms and materials were destroyed at both places by the 
United States officers, but much that was valuable fell into the 
hands of the Virginians. Governor Letcher, of Virginia, for- 
bade the seizing of Fortress Monroe so long as Virginia was 
still in the Union. By the time she seceded, that post had been 
made too strong for capture. 

First Blood Shed, 1861. — Indignant citizens of Baltimore, 
on the 19th of April, endeavored to prevent the passage through 
their city of troops from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, who 




LEAVING HOME. 



234 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



were hurrying to go against the South. An unarmed crowd 
could do little damage, but the soldiers fired into it and killed 
several persons. On account of such determined ojDposition 
no more soldiers were sent through Baltimore ; but the city was 
punished by the arrest and imprisonment of her civil officers, 
and was put under military government. 

Preparations for War. — Both North and South were now 
making ready for the fray. It was certain that Virginia, lying 
close to Washington, would be the battle-ground, and as soon 
as she allied herself with the Confederacy Southern troops were 



^^^ -^A''^I^fr=^^p-^^ 




CAMP OF INSTRUCTION. 

sent with all speed to Harper's Ferry. The machinery in the 
armory there had not been seriously injured, and was removed 
at once to Richmond and to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and 
was set to work making guns. 

Difficulty of Equipping the Armies.— Notwithstanding its 
manufactories of aU sorts, and its free access to the markets of 




THE 

CONFEDERAT 

1860 



B. p. W.k. Ener.N.T. 



LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION. 



235 



the world, the Federal government found it no easy matter to 
equip its large army in a short time. In the South the difficul- 
ties seemed almost insurmountable. Arms, powder, ammunition, 
and equipments of all sorts were absolutely wanting. 

Mr. Lincoln's Proclamations. — Besides calhng for the 
75,000 men, Mr. Lincoln within a few weeks issued other proc- 
lamations. April 27th he declared a blockade of the Southern 
ports by United States war-vessels ; he also directed that the 
Federal regular army should be increased to 64,748 soldiers, 
and the navy to 18,000 seamen ; suspended the writ of habeas 
corpus in certain places ; and directed that Southern priva- 
teersmen should be punished as pirates. All these orders were 
contrary to the Constitution, but Mi'. Lincoln did not hesitate 
to use the power in his hands 
to effect his purposes, and 
left it to Congress to ratify 
his acts. 

Blockade. — His prompt- 
ness was of great value to 
the North. The blockade 
prevented European vessels 
from undertaking the dan- 
gerous service of bringing 
into Southern ports the sup- 
plies so greatly needed, and 
taking back Southern cotton 
in exchange. Suspending /I 
the writ of habeas corjyus 
put every man at the mercy 
of his enemies, as it left no 
redress for unlawful impri- 
sonments, and many a man 
never knew the charge on 
which he was arrested. Eng- 
land refused to consent to the punishment of privateersmien as 
pirates, and it was given up. 




RECEFTION BY PRESIDENT AND MRS. DAVIS. 



236 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

R«moTal of Confederate Capital to Richmond, 1861.— 

In the month of May, the government of the Confederacy 
removed from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, 
which was the capital of the new republic until the end of the 
war. Troops from all over the South were brought to Virginia, 
as soon as they could be equipped. By the 1st of July 300,000 
soldiers were enrolled in the North, the larger part of whom 
were to be brought against Virginia. 

Greatness of tlie Coming Conflict Not Realized.— Although 
there was so much enthusiasm and gathering of soldiers, there 
was little realization of the greatness of the struggle. The 
North did not believe that the South would fight, or be able to 
hold its own ; while the South thought that the many friends of 
constitutional liberty in the North would somehow moderate 
the hostility of their neighbors. She thought her cotton so 
necessary for the world that its value would neutralize the 
blockade and induce France and England to recognize her inde- 
pendence. One proof of the universal misunderstanding is 
the fact that Northern volunteers generally enlisted for only 
three months, or a hundred days ; while Southern soldiers did 
so for six months, or " until the close of the war," which in 
some instances was thought to mean a shorter period, though 
in others the words were meant to express a determination to 
fight to the end. 

Enterprise at the Sonth. — The Southerners made great 
efforts to supply their military needs. Cannon factories were 
set up at Richmond, at New Orleans, and Nashville. Stuphur 
stored in New Orleans for the sugar refineries was used in 
making powder. Nitre, for the same purpose, was obtained 
from cellars and caves, and from carefully prepared nitre-beds. 
A large powder-mill was established at Augusta, Georgia, and 
smaller ones elsewhere. Wagon shops and harness-makers were 
employed to equip the artillery, and women's "Aid Societies" 
made tents and clothing for the soldiers. All did what they 
could to assist in the defence of the South. 

Immensity of the Struggle. — Within the limits of this short 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



237 




CONFEDERATE FLAG. 



history no detailed account can be given of this momentous 
strife. I shall attempt to present you with a general view of 
it, and to tell you of the "«> 
most important battles. 
There were so many 
weak points in the long 
extent of Confederate 
frontier, and the forces 
brought against her 
were so enormous that 
the story of the whole 
struggle is almost in- 
credible. There were 
desperate battles in 
many places ; hardships, 
privation, and sorrow were the portion of the whole South, but 
Virginia, from the first, had to bear the brunt of the war to a 
greater extent than any other equal section of the country. 
The bloodiest battles were fought on her soil, and destruction 
and devastation swept over her fair fields continuously. 

Questions. — 1. What did Mr. Lincoln do the day after the fall of Fort 
Siimter? 2. Howwas he answered ? 3. Which four States next seceded? 
4. Which four slave-holding States did not secede? 5. What from the 
first made the contest between the sections unequal ? 6. In v/hat respect 
were they equal ? 7. Who were some of the leading Southern generals? 
8. What spirit animated the people of the Confederacy ? 9. What United 
States posts were taken by Virginia? 10. AVhy did she not seize Fortress 
Monroe? 11. When and where was the first blood shed 13. What was 
done with the machineiy from Harper's Ferry? 13. What difficulties were 
experienced on both sides in equipping the armies ? 14. What other proc- 
lamations were issued by Mr. Lincoln ? 15. Why were they of great service 
to the North ? 16. To what place was the Confederate capital removed ? 
17. Tell of the massing of troops in Virginia. 18. How was it shown on 
both sides that the greatness and duration of the struggle were not realized? 
19. Tell of the efforts to supply the need at the South ? 20. Does this his- 
tory profess to give a full account of the Civil War ? 21. Where were the 
bloodiest battles fought ? 



238 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XLV. 



LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1861. 

Armies Against Virginia. — Virginia was threatened by four 
armies ; one from Washington ; one on the upper Potomac, under 
General Patterson; one near Fortress Monroe, under General 
Butler ; and a fourth, under General McClellan, in the north- 
■oestern part of the State — about 100,000 men in all. To meet 
these, there were about 65,000 Southern soldiers ; 15,000 at 
Harper's Ferry: 20,000 at Manassas Tunffion; R,000 near York- 




BATTLE OF BJU ItETHEL. 



town ; about the same number in Western Virginia, and the rest 
about Norfolk and on the lower Potomac. 

First Blood Slied in Virginia.— On May 24th, Federal 
troops crossed from Washington into Virginia. Colonel Els- 
worth, of the New York Fire Zouaves, was shot by Mr. Jackson, 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



239 



of Alexandria, for tearing down a Confederate flag from the top 
of liis house. Jackson was killed in the next moment by Els- 
worth's men. 

Big Bethel. — The iirst battle in Virginia occurred on June 
10th, near Big Bethel Church, not very far from Hampton, be- 
tween 3,000 of Butler's men and 1,200 of Magruder's force. 
The Federals were repulsed, after losing seventy-six men, while 
only one Confederate was killed and seven wounded. 

Union Snccess in Western Virginia. — Most of the popu- 
lation in Western Virginia were in sympathy with the North. 
They furnished guides and information to General McClellan, 
and assisted him so effectually that the Con- 
federates were unable to gain any foothold in 
that section. 

Battle of Rich Monntain.— The fortified 
camp of the Confederates at Rich Mountain 
was flanked and taken by General Rosecrans, 
on July 11th. The Confederates were demor- 
alized by the hardships and perils of retreating 
through the mountains. General Robert S. 
Garnett, their commander, was killed, and Colonel Pegram was 
captured. General H. A. Wise had some success in the Kanawha 
Valley against superior bodies of men. Even General Robert 
E. Lee, who was sent to command the troops in the south- 
western part of the State, could effect nothing in face of the 
inaccessible country, the hostile population, 
the want of supplies, and the greatly out- 
numbering Federal forces, who at the close 
of the campaign held Northwestern Virginia 
and the Kanawha Valley. 

General Johnston at Harper's Ferry. — 
General Johnston bent all his energies to 
organize and di'ill the raw troops which came 
to Harper's Ferry from all parts of the South. 
He had cartridge-boxes and cartridges made in the village, and 
smuggled percussion caps from Baltimore, and collected horses 




K. S. GABNETT. 




JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON. 



240 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



and wagons from the surrounding country. All the machineiy 
from the armory was removed by June 15th, and Johnston moved 
his army from Harper's Ferry to a position farther up the Poto- 
mac to check the advance of a Federal force under General Pat- 
terson, BO manoeuvring his men as to make Patterson think them 
more numerous than they were. 

Forward Movement from Washington. — The North was 
clamorous for active operations, and 35,000 men moved from 

Washington, under General Mc- 
Dowell, to drive Beauregard from 
Manassas Junction, and go from 
there "on to Richmond."' This ad- 
vance caused General Johnston to 
slip away from .Patterson's front, 
and hasten with his men across the 
Shenandoah River and the Blue 
Ridge Mountains to join Beaure- 
gard. The General and part of the 
army reached Manassas on July 
20th, others on the 21st, when the 
battle was in progress. 

Battle of First Manassas, 1861. 
The Confederates held the- heights 
south of Bull Run, where they had 
thrown up earthworks. Beauregard 
intended to move his right wing 
round the Federal left, and get between them and Washington. 
The Federals, however, advanced so early on the morning of 
the 21st, that the Confederate movement had not begun. Mc- 
Dowell sent men enough to detain Beauregard's forces on the 
right, while he took the main attacking force to turn the Con- 
federate left and seize the Manassas Gap Raih'oad. To meet 
this unexpected movement, the Confederate commanders were 
obliged to take up a new position of defence at right angles 
with Bull Run and their breastworks. General Beauregard re- 
ported their force on that morning, as 22,000 of his army with 




CONFEDERATE liATTLE KI.A(;. 




Lincoln's administration. 241 

twenty-nine cannon, and 6,000 of Johnston's army with twenty 
guns. The Federal army had 35,000 men and forty-nine guns. 

" Stonewall " Jackson. — To strengthen the Confederate left 
against the coming attack, Johnston's 6,000 men and twenty 
guns were sent to reinforce the thin line of troops stationed 
there, and the battle raged throughout the hot summer day, on 
the plateau around the Henry House. "When the first Confed- 
erate advance was driven back by superior numbers. General 
Bee, to encourage his weary and bleeding 
South Carolinians to fresh efforts of resistance, 
pointed to some Virginians just from the Shen- 
andoah Valley, under General T. J. Jackson, 
exclaiming: "There stands Jackson like a 
stone wall; let us determine to die here, and 
we will conquer!" The Carolinians rallied _ 

bravely behind this living wall, but the heroic ^ - 
Bee fell dead in their midst. The struggle for ^^»^^»» e. eek. 
the plateau above Young's Branch continued until 3 P. M. 
Rickett's splendid United States battery was captured and re- 
captured three separate times. 

Kirby Smith's Opportune Arrival. — By 3 o'clock John- 
ston's 6,000 men, with less than 3,000 of Beauregard's, had 
fought for five hours, and repulsed five several Federal assaults. 
At this time a fresh Federal force was pushed still farther on to 
flank the Confederate left. At this very moment General Kirby 
Smith, with 1,700 men, a part of Johnston's force from the Val- 
ley, appeared on the field. General Smith had stopped the 
train which was bearing them to Manassas Junction, and hur- 
ried his men towards the sound of the firing. The advancing 
Federals were astonished and terrified to find fresh troops pour- 
ing musket-balls into their flank at a point where they expected 
no resistance. 

Rout of the Federal Army. — A forward movement along 

Beauregard's whole line at this time drove the Federals entirely 

from the plateau. Early, hastening from the other end of the 

Confederate lines with three regiments, foiled a last effort to 

16 



242 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

extend the Federal right. The assailants were driven back 
everywhere at the point of the bayonet, and were soon in rapid 
retreat. The guns of Rickett's and Griffin's United States bat- 
teries, captured on the field, were turned upon their former 
comrades. Stuart and the cavalry rode upon them with shouts 
and sabre cuts. The retreat became a panic-stricken rout — a 
headlong flight, in which cannon, muskets, clothing, wagons, 
everything which could impede their progress, was thrown away 
by the fleeing multitude. General McDowell vainly attempted 
to rally the fugitives at Centreville, but terror was stronger 
than discipline, and the army which had marched jiroudly from 
Washington to destroy the "rebels" and capture Richmond 
poured back into the city a disorganized, demoralized mob. 

Losses in the Battle. — The Federal loss was over 5,000 men, 
that of the Confederates 2,000 ; besides which twenty-nine fine 
cannon, thousands of muskets, small arms, ammunition, stores, 
and supplies of all sorts were found on the battle-field, which 
proved very valuable to the Confederates. 

Astonish in eut .it tlie Result of the Battle. — All reports of 
the battle show that both sides were surprised at the result. 
At 3 o'clock the Federal generals thought the day was theirs, 
and could not understand the panic and flight two hours later. 
Many southerners also thought the battle lost at that hour, 
and were amazed to find their over-matched men and guns vic- 
torious. The cause of this unlooked-for success was the deter- 
mination of each Southern soldier to give his life to defend his 
rights and his home, while the different spirit of the Federal 
soldiery at that period is shown by the fact that " three-month 
volunteers " left the Federal army at the very moment when 
their comrades were advancing to the battle-field. 

Dilferent Effects of the Battle. — In the North, the advo- 
cates of the war were stirred up by indignation and rage to 
greater exertion and hatred against the South. An overween- 
ing confidence in Southern prowess and an unfounded contempt 
for Northern courage, caused discipHne and vigor of action to 
decline in the Confederacy. 



244 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Acts of the United States Congress. — A few weeks be- 
fore this first great battle the United States Congress ratified all 
Mr. Lincoln's unconstitutional orders ; authorized 500,000 volun- 
teers to be called for ; increased the regular army and the navy ; 
ordered ironclad ships and river gunboats to be built ; took va- 
rious other measures to strengthen the Federal power, and to 
meet these expenses laid taxes and borrowed money to the enor- 
mous amount of $500,000,000. 

Acts of Confederate Congress. — The Confederate Congress 
called out 400,000 volunteers, issued $100,000,000 treasury notes, 
and took other action to give firmness to their cause and gov- 
ernment. 

General McClellan in Command. — For losing the battle of 
Manassas General McDowell was removed from command of the 
Army of the Potomac, and General McClellan put in his place. 
Both sides then busied themselves in filling up and organizing 
the armies as the two Congresses made it practicable. 

Ball's Bluif. — The only other fight of consequence in Virgi- 
nia during this year was at Ball's Bluflf, near Leesburg, where 
1,700 Federal troops, under Colonel Baker, United States Sena- 
tor from Oregon, were met by about the same number of Con- 
federates, under General Evans, and were driven into the Poto- 
mac River with the loss of nearly 1,000 men, including their 
commander. The Confederates lost 156. 

Restriction of the Press. — The Northern party in power 
now became absolutely intolerant. Not satisfied with the pro- 
scription, imprisonment, and confiscation of property meted out 
to all who were accused of favoring what it termed the "Rebel- 
lion," it now proceeded to attack and curtail the "liberty of the 
press," the great boast of American citizens. New Tork papers, 
especially, were punished for not approving of the war, and were 
forbidden to be carried in the mails. And these things went on 
for several years. 

General T. J. Jackson. — General Jackson — Stonewall Jack- 
son — was made a major-general, and was sent in the late fall, 
with his " Stonewall Brigade " and other troops to take position 





Jl^^UyMr^~^, 




[This picture was selected for Lee's History by Mrs. T. J. Jackson.] 
[245] 



246 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

at Winchester and defend the Valley of Virginia against the 
Federals.* 

Questions. — 1. By what armies was Virginia tiireatened ? 2. How many 
soldiers did she have to oppose them? 3. Where was the first blood 
shed in the State ? 4. What was the result of the fight at Big Bethel ? 
/). Why was the Federal cause successful in Western Virginia ? 6. Tell of 
the battle of Rich Mountain. 7. Who was sent to command the Confede- 
rates in Western Virginia? 8. Why could he accomplish very little? 
!). What was done by QeneralJohnston at Harper's Ferry ? 10. When and 
why did he leave there ? 11. What was the feeling at the North, and what 
movements were made? 12. Describe the battle of First Manassas. 13. Tell 
of ' ' Stonewall Jackson " and General Bee. 14. What was the result of Gen- 
eral Kirby Smith's advance ? 15. Describe the rout of the Federal army. 
16. What losses were sustained by both sides ? 17. Why were both sections 
of the country astonished at the results of the battle ? 18. What reason is 
given for the Southern success ? 19. What were the effects of the battle ? 
20. What acts were passed by the United States Congress ? 21. By the 
Confederate Congress ? 22. Who was now given command of the Federal 
army? 23. Tell of the fight at Ball's Bluff. 24. What restWction was put 
upon the press at the North ? 25. Give a sketch of General T. J. Jackson 
(note). 26. Find the places on the map. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1861. 

Civil War in Missouri. — The efforts of Missouri and Ken- 
tucky to preserve a neutral peace proved unavailing. The 

1 Jackson was a native of Clarksburg in Western Virginia. Early left a poor or- 
phan boy, he worked and struggled until at last he obtained a warrant to the Mili- 
tary Academy at West Point. The first year he stood at the foot of his class, but 
by diligent study he rose so steadily that his classmates said in another year he 
would have reached the head of the class. In the Mexican War he was twice pro- 
moted on the field for gallant conduct. At its close he left the army and became a 
professor in the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia. He was of me- 
dium height and scjuare figure, ungraceful in movement, and abrupt in manner 
and speech. But his personal peculiarities were counterbalanced by his thorough 
integrity, courage and piety. He became a Presbyterian elder, and the superin- 
tendent of a negro Sunday-school, and was esteemed as a good, odd, and useful 
man. He proved to be very like Oliver Cromwell in his earnest piety, his influence 
over his men, and his marvellous military skill. 



Lincoln's administration. 



247 




^^^#^^«iP!^PS» 



■4# 



UNITED STATES FLAG. 



Federal Colonel Lyon, attacked the militia camp of Missouri, 
overpowered the State troops, and killed a number of influen- 
tial citizens. Civil war broke out 
at many points. The governor 
and others tried to place the State 
in friendly relations with the Con- 
federacy, but the United States 
power was too strong for them. 
Recruiting for both armies was 
carried on, and the Southern sym- 
pathizers got the better of the 
Union troops in various small en- 
gagements. To prevent the inva- 
sion of Arkansas, General Ben Mc- 
CuUough marched into Missouri, 
and united his forces with the State troops of General Sterling 
Price. In the battle of Wilson's Springs, on August 10th, be- 
tween the two armies nearly equal in strength, the Federals were 
defeated with the loss of 1,000 men, a number of cannon and 
small arms. General Lyon was killed, and General Sigel suc- 
ceeded to the command. 

Missouri Neutral. — Missouri might have been won for the 
Confederacy, but the government at Richmond could not fur- 
nish arms and equipments for the volunteers 
who would have joined its armies. The South- 
ern successes in the "West were gained with 
old-fashioned shot-guns and hunting rifles. 
Failure to put down their opponents in Mis- 
souri caused Harney, Lyon, Fremont and 
Hvmter to be displaced in turn, and General 
Halleck was put in command in November. 
Kentucky's Position. — Governor Magoffin 
tried hard to keep Kentucky wholly neutral. The people were 
divided in sentiment, and would gladly have maintained peace- 
ful relations with both the North and the South. To comply 
with the wishes of the State, the Confederate government pro- 




H. W. HALLECK. 



248 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

raised to send no troops to Kentucky unless Federal soldiers 
went there. The Federal government had no respect for any 
rights of a State, and soon sent General Kobert Anderson, the 
defender of Sumter, to take military control of Kentucky. The 
Confederate authorities were then constrained to take positions 
in the State to protect Tennessee and Virginia. 

Columbus and Paducah. — To prevent the Federal forces 
from fortifying Columbus, Kentucky, which commanded the 
channel of the Mississippi and controlled the passage of the 
river between Kentucky and Missouri, General Polk ' took pos- 
session of the place on September 3d, and put up strong de- 
fences. He wished also to seize Paducah at 
the mouth of the Tennessee, but before he had 
sufficient force to do it. General Grant, com- 
manding the United States troops at Cairo, 
took possession of Paducah on September 10th. 
By this time the Federal government had built 
gunboats, and strengthened the river steam- 
boats with iron plates and cannon, and had 
LEONiDAs POLK, abuudaut means to defend Paducah, and to 
send expeditions up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, 
against which the Confederates had no means of contending. 

East Tennessee. — The Confederate General ZoUicoffer was 
sent to East Tennessee, where the people, like those of Western 
Virginia, were unfriendly to the South. To forestall the advance 
of the Federal troops, he was obliged to cross the Cumbei'land 
Mountains into Kentucky. The command of the Confederate 
forces in Central Kentucky was entrusted to General Simon B. 
Buckner, who stationed himself at Bowling Green. The line 
from there to Columbus was the northern line of defence of the 
Southern Confederacy. 

iLike others of his noble countrymen, Bishop Leonldas Polk, of Louisiana, felt it 
his duty to take an active part in the Southern movement. He had entered the 
ministry of the Episcopal Church, from the United States Army, and now offered 
his services to defend the righteous cause of the South. He was commissioned as 
Major-General, and given command of Western Tennessee and Alabama, to which 
Western Kentucky and Eastern Missouri and Arkansas were soon added. 




Lincoln's administration. 249 

Battle of Belmont. — General Grant was ordered to operate 
along the Mississippi so as to prevent Confederate troops being 
sent to reinforce General Price, who was advancing from Arkan- 
sas. Hoping to surprise the Confederates at Belmont opposite 
Columbus, Grant, under cover of his gunboats, landed several 
thousand soldiers some miles above the town, on November 7th, 
and marched them rapidly on Belmont. He met with stout re- 
sistance. General Polk dispatched 2,000 men from Columbus, 
by whose aid the Federals were driven to their boats. The vic- 
tory left the control of the Mississippi still in the hands of the 
Confederates, and the Congress at Richmond thanked the offi- 
cers and men who won it. 

Port Royal Captured hj Bupont, 1861. — The capture of 
Fort Hatteras, on the North Carolina coast, and of Port Royal 
Harbor, in South Carolina, strengthened the blockade, and 
weakened the Confederates along the coast. Port Royal fur- 
nished an admirable shelter from storms for the blockading ves- 
sels, and its capture laid the whole South Carolina coast with 
its wealthy "sea islands," open to their attacks. 

Futile Effort at the Mouth of the Mississippi.— A river 
steamer on the lower Mississippi had been covered by the Con- 
federates with iron plates, armed with a strong iron beak, and 
renamed the " ram " Manassas. With this ram and some few 
fire-ships an attempt was made to destroy the Federal fleet at 
the mouth of the Mississippi. The attack, in which one big 
Federal vessel was pierced by the ram and the fire-ships were 
let loose among the rest, frightened them all so that they stood 
out to sea. But the Manassas was more injured than her ene- 
mies. The blockading fleet returned to its position, and nothing 
came of the effort. 

Threatened Trouble With England. — England and France 
had before this acknowledged the Confederate States as " a 
belligerent power," and had declared themselves neutral in the 
American war. The Confederate government then sent James 
M. Mason, of Virginia, as commissioner to England, and John 
Slidell, of Louisiana, to France, to see what could be done for 



250 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the advantage of the South. These gentlemen and their secre- 
taries ran the blockade from Charleston to Havana, where they 
embarked for Europe on the British mail steamer Trent. By 
the law of nations, they should have been safe on a neutral 
vessel ; but law was little respected at this time by Federal 
officers. The United States war- vessel ^an Jacinto^ commanded 
by Captain Charles Wilkes, was cruising near Havana. Learn- 
ing that the Confederate commissioners were on the Trent, 
Captain Wilkes stopped her, boarded her, and took from her by 
force Messrs. Mason, Slidell, McFarlaud, and Eustis. Wilkes 
received great praise from the North, and a gold medal from 
the Federal Congress, for this violation of international law. 
England, however, indignant at this "outrage," at once de- 
manded that the prisoners should be restored to her, intimating 
that serious consequences would follow if they were not speedily 
liberated. A contest between England and the United States 
would have been greatly to the Confederate advantage. But 
Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet were too wise to incur a foreign 
war. They simply said that Captain Wilkes had acted without 
any authority from Washington, and ordered the prisoners to be 
delivered to Lord Lyons, the British minister, at Washington. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of the civil strife in Missouri. 2. Who were the 
commanders there ? 3. What was the position of Kentucky ? 4. Why 
could she not remain neutral ? 5. Tell of Bishop Polk (note). 6. What 
efforts did he make to keep control of the Mississippi ? 7. Why could he not 
fortify Paducah ? 8. What was done in East Temiessee ? 9. What was 
the northern line of defence for the Confederacy ? 10. Describe the battle of . 
Belmont. 11. What was the effect of the capture of Port Royal by Admi- 
ral Dupont ? 12. What fruitless effort was made at the mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi? 13. Tell of the capture of Mason and Slidell by Captain Wilkes. 
14. How was trouble with England averted ? 15. Have you foimd the 
places on the map ? 



Lincoln's administration. 251 



CHAPTER XLVII. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1862. 

Mr. Lincoln Orders a General Adyance. — Eighteen hun- 
dred and sixty-two opened with cold, stormy weather. To 
pacify the murmurs against the vast expenditure of money with- 
out apparent results, Mr. Lincoln astonished the country by issu- 
ing an order that, on February 22nd, all the Federal armies 
everywhere should advance against the enemy. 
In Kentucky and Tennessee the order was 
forestalled. 

Zollicoffer Killed at Mill Spring.— General 
ZolHcoffer, in eastern Kentucky, attacked the 
Federal force at Mill Spring, hoping to defeat 
it before it was reinforced. His death, early 
in the action, was followed by the defeat of 
the Confederates, with a heavy loss of men and zollicoff 
guns. As a consequence of this battle, East Tennessee was soon 
in possession of the Union army. 

Forts Henry and Donelson. — In Western Kentucky also, 
the Southern cause met with disaster. General Polk, at Co- 
lumbus, still controlled the Mississippi River. General Albert 
Sidney Johnston, commanding the Western Department of the 
Confederacy, had his headquarters at Bowling Green. The 
Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were between the two posi- 
tions. A fleet of Federal gunboats and transports was ready 
to sail up these rivers into the heart of the Confederacy. To 
prevent this, Fort Henry was built on the eastern bank of the 
Tennessee, and Fort Donelson on the western bank of the 
Cumberland, just south of the Kentucky line, where the rivers 
are about twelve miles apart. Both forts were stronger on the 
water front than towards the land. Fort Henry was much the 
smaller, and was held by some 2,200 men, with seventeen cannon. 

Capture of Fort Henry. — On February 6th Fort Henry was 




252 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

attacked by seven gimboats under Commodore Foote. After a 
severe bombardment, and the bursting of some of the large 
guns in the fort, it was found impossible to continue any effec- 
tive resistance. T\Tien most of the garrison had escaped to 
Fort Donelson, General Tilghman surrendered Fort Henry, 
himself and sixty men. This opening of the Tennessee River 
to the Federal gunboats was a tremendous blow to the South, 
and the ill-effects of it were soon felt by the destruction they 
speedily wrought as far down as Florence, Alabama. 

ImportJince of Fort Donelson. — At Nashville, on the Cum- 
berland River, the Confederates had collected large supplies of 
valuable stores, which the Federal generals were anxious to cap- 
ture. To make that possible. Fort Donelson had to be over- 
come. To strengthen the fort, General Albert Sidney Johnston 
sent some 14,000 men, under Generals Buckner, Pillow, and 
Floyd, who had brought his troops from Western Virginia. Don- 
elson was defended by earthworks and heavy batteries. There 
was also an outer line of breastworks and rifle-pits, and a strong 
abatis — forest trees cut so as to fall on each other with the 
branches pointing outward — between them and the fort. Gen- 
eral Grant moved against Donelson, on February 12th, with 
17,000 men. Until the 14th he waited for reinforcements and 
the gunboats, keeping up a destructive cannonading and some 
desultory fighting in the meanwhile. A severe storm of sleet 
and snow set in, and many wounded soldiers were frozen to 
death. On the 14th the fort was invested, and the fleet began 
the attack. The powerful Confederate water batteries struck 
the gunboats 150 times in an hour and a half, and beat them 
off. Assaults on the breastworks were also repulsed, but the 
Confederate commanders found that they could not maintain 
the position against the heavy forces which were coming against 
them on the river and the land. A council of war held at night 
determined to leave the fort and cut their way through the be- 
sieging army to Nashville. 

Gallant Fighting. — By dawn of the 15th the Federal right, 
which held the main road to Nashville, and the centre were 



Lincoln's administration. 253 

strongly attacked by the Confederates. The fighting was gal- 
lant on both sides, but little by little the Northern line was 
forced back, and the road to Nashville was cleared. But fresh 
Federal troops were hurried forward. General Grant, who had 
gone to consult with Commodore Foote, returned to the field, a 
forward movement was ordered, and the Confederates were driven 
back to their works. Both sides slept on their arms, exhausted 
with cold, hunger and fatigue. 

Fall of Donelson. — The oflficers within the fort agreed that 
surrender was inevitable ; but Floyd, chief in command, turned 
the fort over to Pillow, and escaped in the night with some of 
his own troops. Pillow also got safely away. Forrest's cavalry 
followed their example. General Buckner, thus deserted by his 
sujDeriors, sent a flag of truce to General Grant, on Sunday 
morning, February 16th, asking for terms of surrender. "Un- 
conditional surrender " was demanded, and to this Buckner was 
forced to yield, giving up between 10,000 and 14,000 prisoners, 
all the guns, several thousand horses and considerable stores. 

Results. — The fall of Donelson filled the North with joy, but 
brought great misfortune to the South. The Confederate forces 
had to withdraw from Western Kentucky and evacuate Colum- 
bus, "The Gibraltar of the West." Nashville, with the stores 
accumulated there, was taken by General Buell, and the whole of 
Tennessee was, for a time, occupied by the Federal armies. 
General Halleck began the campaign with 100,000 Federal 
troops, Johnston had not more than 55,000, and this number 
was greatly diminished by losses in battle, by the surrender at 
Donelson, and by straggling and desertion, which always follow 
a defeat. 

Battle of Pea Ridaje or Elkliorn. — By great exertions 
General Johnston assembled 35,000 troops in Northern Missis- 
sippi, near Corinth, early in April. Reinforcements from Arkan- 
sas were prevented by the advance of Curtis's army into that 
State. General Van Dorn collected all the Southern troops pos- 
sible to repel the invasion. With some 16,000 men, under Price 
and McCullough, and 4,000 Indians, under General Pike, Van 



254 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




ALBERT PIKE. 



Dom met Curtis in the Northwestern part of the State. In spite 
of severe cold and a rough country he got into the rear of Cur- 
tis's entrenchments on Pea Ridge and attacked 
him on March 7th. The fighting was severe 
on both sides. The Confederates forced back 
the Federal right nearly a mile. In the cen- 
C? tre, where they had less success, Generals Mc- 
V CuUough and Mcintosh were killed and General 
Price was severely wounded. The troops were 
so much disheartened by the loss of their gen- 
erals that Van Dorn fell slowly back the next 
day, carrying all his artillery and baggage. 

Battle of Shiloh— Death of Albert Sidney Johnston, 
1862.— By April 3d, General Grant had 38,000 troops protected 
by gunboats at Pittsburg Landing, on the south bank of the 
Tennessee River. As General Buell was approaching to join 
Grant with an equal force, General Johnston wished to attack 
Grant early on April 5th, but his men did not get into position 
until night. On the morning of the 6th the Confederates at- 
tacked Grant's position around Shiloh Church. They carried 
the front line, killed General W. H. L. Wallace, 
captured Prentiss with 3,000 men, and drove 
back the Federals all along the line, though 
they made a brave resistance. At 2 o'clock, 
when victory seemed assured to the Southern- 
ers, General Johnston, who had been constantly 
in the hottest part of the fight, had the great 
artery in his leg cut by a minie-ball. There 
was no surgeon near, the bleeding could not be ^- s- J" 
stopped, and the gallant soldier died in a little while, 
an irretrievable loss to the Southern army and cause. 

End of the Battle.— The death of their trusted commander 
was kept from the Southern troops, and General Beauregard 
carried on the contest. The Federal army had been driven to 
the river bank, and the shelter of their gunboats. There was 
still an hour of daylight, and another vigorous assault by the 




He was 



Lincoln's administration. 255 

eager Confederates upon the demoralized enemy would have 
forced them into the river or compelled them to surrender. At 
this moment the gunboats opened fire with shot and shell, but 
the Confederates were sheltered by the height of the bluff, 
and were less and less exposed as they neared their retreating 
foe. Absolute victory seemed within their grasp, but General 
Beauregard, thinking that his men were exposed to a murderous 
fire, and were much exhausted, ordered them to fall back from 
the field. Most of Grant's artillery, thousands of prisoners, 
numbers of flags and the Federal camp had been captured, and 
Beauregard telegraphed to Richmond that he had gained "a 
complete victory." During the night, Buell brought up as many 
fresh troops as the Southern army contained. He attacked in 
the morning, and gradually drove the Confederates to their 
original position. In this bloody battle the Confederate loss 
was 10,699, that of the Federals 13,573. 

Fall of Island No. 10. — When Columbus was evacuated, the 
garrison was taken to Island No. 10, forty miles down the Mis- 
sissippi. For a month the defence of the river was kept up 
there, but on April 8th, the day after Shiloh, Commodore Foote 
with his gunboats captured the Island, with its powerful guns, 
and 6,700 men. The upper Mississippi, the Tennessee and the 
Cumberland were now open to Federal advance. 

Questions. — 1. What orders were issued by Mr. Lincoln in 1862 ? 2. Tell 
of the battle of Mill Spring and General ZoUicoffer's death . 3. Who 
commanded the Western Department of the Confederacy? 4. Describe 
Forts Henry and Donelson. 5. When and how was Fort Heniy captured? 
6. Why was it important to strengthen Fort Donelson, and how was it 
defended ? 7. Describe the attack upon it. 8. Who were the commanders 
on both sides ? 9. What did the Confederate council of war decide upon ? 
10. Why could they not do it? 11. Tell of the fall of Fort Donelson. 
12. What were the results of this disaster? 13. Describe the battle of 
Pea Ridge or Elkhorn. 14. Tell of the battle of Shiloh. 15. What great 
general was killed there ? 16. How did the battle end ? 17. What were 
the losses on both sides ? 18. What was the effect of the capture of Island 
No. 10? 19. Look out all the places on the map. 



256 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1862. 

Jackson at Bath and Roniney. — The first of January, 1862, 
Jackson moved from Winchester northwestward. Knowing 
that the enemy would not expect an advance over the mountain 
roads covered with snow, he began the rapid marches for which 
his soldiers were called "foot-cavalry." Movingto the Potomac, 
he tore up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, destroyed several 
dams on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and threatened the 
people of Maryland with invasion, so that reinforcements were 
sent there to oppose him. He then turned westward in the 
night, crossed two mountain ranges, struck the Federal camp 
at Romney, and drove the enemy from that whole region. After 
this the army returned to Winchester with their fingers, ears, 
and toes frost-bitten, but in fine spirits, notwithstanding the 
hardships of the camjiaign. 

Capture of Roanoke Island and Other Ports. — Roanoke 
Island, an important Confederate position on the coast of North 
Carolina, between Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, was held by 
3,000 men and a squadron of eight small gunboats under Cap- 
tain Lynch. A force was dispatched to the island from Hamjjton 
Roads, consisting of more than 100 vessels, some of them strong 
war-ships, and 16,000 men. It was impossible for the island 
and its defences to withstand these powerful assailants, and it 
fell into the hands of Commodore Goldsborough and General 
Burnside. This victory gave Albemarle Sound to the Federals, 
and left the southeastern part of Virginia at their mercy. Fort 
Pulaski, defending Savannah ; Fort Macon, at the mouth of 
Beaufort harbor ; New Berne, in North Carolina, and several 
harbors on the Florida coast were also seized by the Northern 
war-vessels. The capture of these places left fewer shelters for 
vessels which dared the dangers of the Federal blockade. The 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



257 



risk of their capture was greatly increased, and the number of 
" blockade runners " became constantly less. 

The Ram Tirginia. — One considerable suc- 
cess cheered the Confederates in the midst of 
so much discouragement. When the Federals 
evacuated the Gosport Navy Yard, they scut- 
tled and sunk the fine steam frigate Merriinac. 
The Confederates succeeded in raising the vesr 
sel, and remodelled it on a new plan furnished 
by John Mercer Brooke, the inventor of the 
deep-sea-sounding apparatus. The decks were cut down, and a 
low roof put on something in the shape of a tortoise. This roof 
and the sides were covered with thick iron plates. A strono- 




J. M. BKOOKE. 




SINKING OF THE CUMBEKLAND. 



iron beak was fastened to the prow. The vessel was armed 
with ten heavy guns, and renamed the Virginia. On March 8th 
the ram steamed out of Norfolk Harbor, in company with two 
small gunboats, and advanced towards the Federal fleet in Hamp- 
ton Roads. The shot hurled at her glanced from her iron sides, 
17 




258 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

She fired her guns, and, making straight for the large wooden 
frigate, Cumberland, rammed such a hole in her 
side that within an hour she sunk, and nearly 
half her crew were drowned. The frigate Co)i- 
gress avoided the beak of the Virginia by run- 
ning into shallow water, but was captured and 
burned. The other Federal vessels escaped 
^,- destruction in the same way, though they suf- 
fered severely from the cannon on the ram 
ADMIRAL BUCHANAN, aud thc guuboats. 

Coming of the Monitor. — This unexpected destruction of 
their fine war-vessels struck the North with teiTor. All the sea- 
board towns seemed to fear immediate attack. But when the 
Virginia appeared the next morning, hoping to destroy the 
Minnesota and other Federal vessels, she was met by an unex- 
pected antagonist, the Monitor, built by Ericsson, which had 
come into Hampton Koads during the night. With a revolving 
iron tui-ret upon her flat, iron top, the Monitor looked like " a 
cheese box on a plank." She was very strong, and more easily 
managed than the Virginia, but neither one of the queer look- 
ing craft could do serious harm to the other, and after the 
Monitor had withdrawn into shallow water where the Virginia 
could not follow her, the Virginia went back to Norfolk. This 
first battle between ironclad ships, changed the mode of naval 
warfare all over the world. This test of the Mo?iitor quieted 
the fears of the Northern cities, and the Federal government 
ordered other monitors and ironclad ships to be built with all 
sjDeed. 

Southern Successes on the Coast. — Later on in the year 
there were small Confederate successes on the South Carolina 
coast. Six thousand Federal troops were beaten ofi" at Seces- 
sionville in June, and in October an attempt to seize the railroad 
near Pocotaligo was defeated. 

McClellan at Centreville. — Most of the Southern troops had 
enlisted for only twelve months, and their generals had an anx- 
ious time in the spring of 1862, until permanent re-enlistment 



Lincoln's administration. 259 

was secured. Johnston's force at Centreville dwindled to 30,000, 
while McClellan had 120,000 in Washington. General John- 
ston quietly drew his insufficient army into strong earthworks 
behind the Rappahannock, and when McClellan moved forward, 
on March 10th, he found the Confederate army gone and the 
bridges over which it had passed destroyed. He had deter- 
mined to attack Richmond from another point, and said it was 
impossible to follow Johnston through the spring mud. 

Battle of Kernstowil. — When Johnston withdrew from Cen- 
treville, Jackson also fell back, with his little army, from Win- 
chester. Being ordered to prevent the Federal forces in his 
front from joining McClellan, Jackson retraced his steps, and 
on March 23d, with only 2,747 men, attacked the Federal forces, 
more than double his own, at Kernstown, near Winchester. 
Although the Southern force was obliged to retire from the 
field at nightfall, it had done so much and had excited such 
alarm at Washington that reinforcements were sent to the Val- 
ley, and Banks was prevented from going elsewhere. This 
result was so important that Vae Confederate Congress gave 
Jackson a vote of thanks for Kernstown. 

The Armies About Yorktown. — Mr. Lincoln wished Gen- 
eral McClellan to advance on Richmond by way of Fredericks- 
burg. McClellan preferred going by Fortress Monroe. Before 
his movements were decided on. General Johnston took his 
army to Richmond, and from there to Yorktown, to meet Mc- 
Clellan. The season was a rainy one, and the long marches 
over the muddy roads were very trying to men and horses, but 
the soldiers kept in good spirits and bore their hardships with 
fine courage. 

Fight at Williamsburg. — It took 400 vessels one month to 
transport McClellan's men from Washington to Fortress Mon- 
roe, and almost another month was consumed in laying siege to 
Yorktown, where Magruder had thrown up heavy earthworks. 
To disconcert McClellan's plans. General Johnston had the guns 
he could not movs spiked, quietly evacuated Yorktown, and 
took up the march for Richmond. The Confederate rear was 



260 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

struck at Williamsburg by Federal troops on May 5th, but held 
its ground until the artillery and wagons got safely away, and 
then followed the rest of the army. 

Federal Ships in the James. — This abandoning the Penin- 
sula made it impossible for Southern troops to hold Norfolk, 
and they were ordered to Richmond. The war-vessels there 
moved up James River, the Confederate jDroperty was destroyed, 
and the city passed into Federal possession. To the disappoint- 
ment of the South, it proved impossible to take the Virginia up 
James River, even at high tide. She ran aground and had to 
be blown up to save her from the enemy. James River was now 
left unprotected, and the Federal ironclads at once steamed up 
towards Richmond, the Galena and the Monitor among them. 
Obstructions in the river and heavy batteries on shore stopped 
them at Drewry's Bluff, eight miles below the city. They were 
seriously injured by the guns from Fort Darling, while they 
could effect nothing against the high bluff, and withdrew to 
City Point, 

Seyen Pines or Fair Oaks. — By the last of May, McClellan's 
army had come near Richmond by way of West Point, and lay 
along both sides of the Chickahominy, where it threw up heavy 
intrenchments. The swamps around the river were almost im- 
passable from the rains. On May 31st, General Johnston at- 
tacked the two Federal corps of Keyes and Heintzelma'n, hoping 
to destroy them before they could be reinforced. The same 
waters which were to keep back his enemies rendered his own 
movements slow. Reinforcements reached the United States 
troops before Johnston's plan was fully carried out, and ren- 
dered his victory incomplete. Both sides lost heavily, but the 
Federals most severely in men, arms and stores. General John- 
ston was wounded in the evening so seriously that he was dis- 
abled for many months. 

General Robert E. Lee. — General Robert E. Lee ^ was now 

1 General Lee was the youngest son of " Light Horse Harry Lee " of the Revolu- 
tion. He graduated ^.vith liigh honors at West Point, distinguished himself greatly 
during tlie Mexican War, and had since filled various responsible military posi- 
tions. He was equal, if not superior, to any man in the service, and had been re- 



frrm -^ 


W^ 






1 

1 
1 






^'\. 







0x^^ 







C 361 ] 



262 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

assigned to the command of the Army of Northern Virginia, and 
became the most prominent figure in the great struggle. 

Questions. — 1. "What nickname was given to Stonewall Jackson's sol- 
diers? 2. Tell of Jackson's movements towards the Potomac, and what 
he did there. 3. How did he follow this up ? 4. Under what circumstan- 
ces was Roanoke Island captured by the Federals ? 5. What other forts 
were also taken, and how did this affect the Southern cause ? 6. Describe 
the v&mVirginia, and tell of her attack upon the Federal ships. 7. Tell of 
the fight between the Virginia and the Monitor. 8. What successes did the 
South have on the coast ? 9. What movements were made by Johnston and 
McClellan in the spring of 1862 ? 10. What battle was fought by General 
Jackson near Winchester ? 11. What two armies gathered near YorktoAvn ? 
12. How did General Johnston disconcert McClellan's plans? 13. What 
caused the fight at Williamsburg ? 14. What was the fate of the Virginia 
and the result of her destruction ? 15. Tell of the battle of Seven Pines 
or Fair Oaks. 16. Who now became the commander of the Army of North- 
em Virginia ? 17. Give a sketch of General R. E. Lee (note). 18. Find on 
the map ail the places mentioned. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION. CONTINUED— 1862. 

Jackson in the Valley, 1862. — From Kemstown, Jackson 
took his army to Swift Eun Gap in the Blue Ridge, where his 
men could be re-enlisted and reorganized, and where he could, 
through his scouts, watch the enemy. It was discovered that 
besides Banks's force in the Valley three other armies were 
moving from different directions to surround and destroy Jack- 
son. Milroy, from the west, was coming along behind the North 
Mountain ; Fremont was advancing from the northwest, and 
Shields from the east. Jackson had about 15,000 men, to meet 
between 45,000 and 60,000 coming against him. 

peatedly promoted, and was expected to succeed General Scott In command of the 
United States army. He loved his country and the Union, but he felt that his 
highest allegiance was to his native State, and when Virginia left the Union, Lee 
resigned from the United States army and offered his sword and his services to 
her. You will see what a noble man and great soldier he proved to be. 



Lincoln's administration. 263 

Defeat of Banks. — Moving rapidly, first south and then west, 
he struck the advance of Milroy's ai-my at McDowell, on May 
8th, so severely that they retreated in haste. Resting his men 
a few days, Jackson then recrossed the North Mountain and the 
main Valley, completely crushed a part of Banks's army at Front 
Royal, on the 23rd, and then turned suddenly upon Banks him- 
self, who was falling back towards Winchester. The Federals 
retreated hastily, terrified at Jackson's rapid and unexpected 
movements. The retreat soon became a panic-stricken rout. 
The fortifications at Winchester were carried, on the 25th, by a 
bayonet charge, and the Federals fled through the town. The 
inhabitants rushed into the streets to welcome their deliverers 
from Northern oppression. Banks's fugitives did not stop run- 
ning until they were safely in Maryland. Three thousand 
prisoners, with heavy cannon and small arms, were taken, and so 
many stores that Banks was called "Jackson's commissary." 

Defeat of Fremont and Shields. — The number of Jackson's 
men was greatly magnified by the fright of his opponents, and 
alarm again prevailed lest he should march upon Washington. 
To strengthen this fear, Jackson went almost to Harper's Ferry, 
thereby causing a large Federal force to be sent from Frede- 
ricksburg to the Valley. He then suddenly retraced his steps 
and carried the prisoners and long wagon trains taken from 
Banks safely up the Valley. Fremont and Shields tried to head 
him off and defeat him, but with swift movement he passed be- 
tween them and beat them in detail. They were moving on 
parallel lines, with the Shenandoah River between them. On 
June 7th, Jackson repulsed Fremont at Cross Keys, with Ewell's 
division. The next morning he took his men to the east side 
of the IShenendoah, burned the bridge to prevent Fremont fol- 
lowing him, fell upon Shields and drove him down the Valley 
with the loss of all his artillery and many prisoners. This time 
Jackson did not follow. 

Death of Ashhy — Result of the Campaign. — Jackson's gal- 
lant cavalry officer. General Turner Ashby, was killed in a charge 
during this last battle. During the month of the campaign 



264 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Jackson had out-generaled and out-fougLt three armies, each 
containing more than his 15,000 men. His army had marched 
500 miles, and had captured thousands of prisoners and mil- 
lions of dollars' worth of cannon, horses, wagons and stores. 
It was now to play an important part in the struggle around 
Richmond. 

Preparations for Fighting .at Richmond, 1862. — By the 
middle of June Lee's army numbered 65,000 men, and the for- 
tifications of Richmond were in good condition to defend the 
city. McClellan's army of 115,000 lay behind immensely strong 
earthworks containing jDowerful siege guns. McClellan was 
constanth^ telegraphing for reinforcements, insisting that Lee's 
army was much stronger than his own. 

Jackson Summoned to Richmond. — ^\Tien Lee's prepara- 
tions were completed he called Jackson from the Valley to take 
part in the attack on McClellan. To conceal the plan, 10,000 
men were sent with much publicity to Jackson, who were quietly 
returned at once to Richmond. The Valley army now set out 
with all speed and with the greatest secrecy. The soldiers were 
forbidden to answer questions or give any information. Mail- 
riders and other persons whom they met were turned around 
and taken along with the army.^ 

Stuart's Ride Round McClellan.-Wishing 
to ascertain the exact position of McClellan's 
forces, which lay north of the Chickahominy, 
General Lee sent General J. E. B. Stuart to 
ascertain the whereabouts of the troops, the 
' roads and the bridges. With 1.200 cavalry and 
four pieces of horse artillery, Stuart set out on 
the right of the Federal army and pas^d en- 
j. E. B. STUART. tlrcly round it. In the long ride he had several 
encounters with the enemy, captured a number of prisoners and 

1 General Jackson, it is said, having ridden to examine a side road, in returning 
to the main route fell in with a soldier, from whom he tried to obtain some infor- 
mation. The only answer the soldier would give was " I don't know." The Gen- 
eral then said, a little impatiently," You are strangely ignorant for a soldier.'' 
" 'k'es," replied the man, knowing well to whom he was speaking, " Old Jack said 
we wasn't to know nothin', and I don't know nothln'." 




LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



265 



horses, destroyed valuable stores, and brought to General Lee the 
information he desired.^ 




MAP OF SCENE OP THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 

Seven Days' Fight. — When Lee learned where to find his 
adversary, he determined to attack him without farther waiting. 
The plan was for Jackson's army to move round the Federal 

i"Jeb " Stuart was a Virginian, only twenty-seven years old, when he left the 
United States army for the Confederate service. He was of a joyous disposition, 
a lover of horses and dogs and of lively music. Knowing no fear, he contrived 
and executed the most daring military movements. Like Jackson and Lee, he was 
an humble, earnest Christian. He never uttered an oath, permitted no swearing 
around him, never drank intoxicating liquor, and always carried Ms mother's 
Bible with him. 



266 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

right and attack them in the rear on June 25th. But the road 
was too long, and the Valley troops did not get into position 
until the next day. At 3 P. M. of the 26th, A. P. Hill attacked 
the Federals at Mechanicsville and drove them to their intrench- 
ments at Beaver Dam Ci-eek, which they abandoned during the 
night and fell back to Gaines's Mill. The next day Lee left 28,000 
men under Magruder and Huger south of the Chickahominy to 
defend Richmond, and, with the rest of his army under Long- 
street, A. P. and D. H. Hill, joined Jackson in a prolonged 
attack on the Federal army on the fortified heights of Cold Har- 
bor and Gaines's Mill. From midday the battle raged. At 
nightfall the Confederates, rushing forward with their piercing 
"rebel yell," made a bayonet charge, and drove the Federal sol- 
diers in precipitate flight from the defences they had thought 
impregnable. 

McCIellan's Retreat. — McClellan now abandoned his posi- 
tion, the fortifying of which had cost him so much labor and 
expense, and turned his course towards James River, where he 
would have the shelter of his gunboats. He crossed quickly 
to the south of the Chickahominy, destroyed immense quanti- 
ties of stores, left his sick and wounded to the 
mercy of his enemy, and burned the bridges 
behind him. To mask his retreat, his men in 
the fortifications in front of Magruder and 
Huger were retained and an artillery fire kept 
up there, but by the evening of the 28th his 
movement was ascertained, and Lee ordered 
his men to pursue, and, if possible, to prevent 
it. At Savage Station, where immense supplies °^° =• m'clkllan. 
had been destroyed by McCIellan's orders, Magruder inflicted 
great injury on the Federal rear, but could not cut off its retreat. 

Malvern Hill. — The retreating army continued its march, 
closely followed by the Confederates. In the bloody fights of 
White Oak Swamp and Frazier's Farm, on June 30th, the Fed- 
erals suffered severely. Pressing on, during the night, they 
gained the strong position of Malvern Hill, where their artillery 




Lincoln's administration. 267 

eould sweep the open ground along their whole front. It was 
impossible to use any large force of Confederate artillery, and, 
during the afternoon of July 1st, repeated efforts on Lee's part 
failed to dislodge McClellan from his strong position. Lee 
made preparations for a more vigorous assault on Malvern Hill 
the next morning, but McClellan again retreated during the 
night to Harrison's Landing, where he reached the desired pro- 
tection of his gunboats. Nothing more could be done against 
his enemy, and Lee took his army back to Richmond. 

Results of the Seven Days' Fights. — Neither side was 
satisfied with the result of this series of bloody battles. Instead 
of destroying Lee's army and capturing Richmond, McClellan's 
great force had been compelled to retreat with immense losses. 
At first the Southern generals had only hoped to repulse the 
great besieging host, but after the victory at Gaines's Mill, Lee 
laid his plans to destroy that host in detail. Many causes con- 
curred to frustrate these plans, and McClellan, as we have seen, 
got away with more men than Lee had ever had. The killed 
and wounded in the Federal army were reported at 15,000, on 
the Southern side 16,782. More than 10,000 prisoners, includ- 
ing officers of rank, fifty-two pieces of artillery, and upwards of 
35,000 stand of small arms, with stores and supplies of all sorts, 
were captured by the Confederates. 

McClellan and Lincoln. — McClellan's defeat and retreat 
caused great mortification and grief throughout the North, and 
Mr. Lincoln called for 300,000 more volunteers. The President 
and the General were not good friends, and McClellan com- 
plained that the "Washington authorities tried to thwart his 
plans and destroy his army. To see the truth for himself, Mr. 
Lincoln went to Harrison's Landing and reviewed the army, 
which was 86,000 strong, on July 8th. Lee had never more 
than 81,000 around Richmond, including Jackson's corps. Mc- 
Clellan insisted that he must be reinforced, and attack Rich- 
mond again. He was ordered to the Potomac, and the com- 
mands of Banks, Fremont and McDowell were consolidated and 
placed under General John Pope. 



268 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Questions. — 1. What was Jackson's position in the Valley? 2. What 
armies were moving against him, and what force had he to meet them? 
3. Tell of his fight at McDowell, and of his success at Winchester. 4. How 
and where did he defeat Fremont and Shields ? 5. What were the results 
of this campaign ? 6. What preparations were now made for the fighting 
at Richmond? 7. Whom did General Lee summon to Richmond, and how 
were his plans concealed ? 8. Tell the story of Jackson and the soldier 
(note). 9. Give an account of General Stuart's ride. 10. Give a sketch of 
J. E. B. Stuart (note). 11. Tell of the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines's 
Mill. 12. What effect had these fights upon McClellan ? 13. Did not Lees 
army follow him ? 14. Where did the next battles take place? 15. Tell 
of the battle of Malvem Hill. 16. What were the results of the Seven 
Days' Fights ? 17. What captures did the Southern army make ? 18. Tell 
of McClellan and Lincoln. 19. Who was now given command of the Fede- 
ral army ? 20. Find the battle-fields on the map. 



CHAPTER L. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION. CONTINUE D-1862. 

Halleck and Pope. — General Halleck was brought from the 
West and made commander-in-chief of the Federal armies, at 
the same time that Pope was appointed to the Army of Virginia. 
In one of Pope's first orders he said, " I have come from the 
West, where we have alway seen the backs of our enemies — 
from an army whose business it has been to seek the adversary, 
and to beat him when found." This boasting 
made him unpopular with his army. 

Cedar Mountain — Pope's Army. — General 

Lee sent Jackson and his corps to meet Pope, 

who was moving with 40,000 men upon the 

railroad junction at Gordonsville. On August 

9th, Jackson was attacked by Banks at Cedar 

Mountain, but the Federals were repulsed and 

E. 8. KWBLL. driven from the field. Lee now brought most 

of his men from Richmond to Gordonsville. Jackson soon moved 

off towards the northwest, and Longstreet advanced nearer the 




Lincoln's administration. 269 

line of the railroad held by Pope. Pope's army was the most 
destructive which had yet invaded Virginia. By the general's 
order, any man might be treated as a spy, who was peaceably 
engaged at his home, and who did not at once take the oath of 
allegiance to the United States. Under the same orders, farms 
were laid waste, dwellings dismantled or destroyed, farm imple- 
ments, furniture and private property of all sorts were either to 
be carried off or destroyed. Everything was ruthlessly taken or 
rendered useless to the owners. 

Jackson Captures Manassas Junction. — Crossing the upper 
fords of the Rappahannock, Jackson's ma»reh was hidden from 
the enemy by the Bull Run Mountains. On August 26th, he 
passed eastward through Thoroughfare Gap to a point between 
Pope's army and Washington. The first notice the Federals 
had that Jackson was anywhere near was the capture of Manas- 
sas Junction with 300 prisoners, eight guns, ten locomotives, 
seven trains of cars, and immense stores of all kinds. The hun- 
gry, ragged Southerners took what they could use and burned 
the rest. 

Battles of Second Manassas. — Jackson's situation was crit- 
ical. He was between the divisions of Pope's army, greatly 
larger than his own, and Longstreet was still miles away. Pope 
ordered McDowell to move upon Jackson's rear, saying we shall 
"bag the whole crowd." Pope moved quickly to Manassas, hop- 
ing to strike Jackson before Longstreet came up. Jackson 
moved from Manassas by the Sudley Springs road, and by Cen- 
treville to the Warrenton turnpike, and took position near 
Groveton on the field of the first battle, where he would be in a 
favorable position to unite with Lee, advancing by way of Tho- 
roughfare Gap. Pope, failing to find Jackson at Manassas, di-. 
rected his columns on Centreville, and was attacked by Jackson as 
soon as he came within striking distance, on the evening of August 
28th. The battle raged until nightfall. Jackson's men suffered 
severely. His second in command. General Ewell, lost his leg, 
but the Confederates gained the advantage everywhere. 

Complete Victory. — The battle was renewed the next morn- 



270 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



ing, and throughout the day the Confederates repulsed every 
assault of the Federals until night put an end to the conflict. 
On the 30th Pope again attacked, and, in the afternoon, when 
Jackson's men were nearly exhausted, General Lee, with Long- 
street's corps, from behind the mountains, came to their aid. 
Pope had telegraphed to Washington that the "enemy was 
driven from the field." The next news was that he himself was 
in hasty retreat, leaving his dead and wounded. Lee pursued 
and inflicted severe blows upon the retreating army before it 
reached the fortifications at Washington. Major-General Kear- 
ney, of the Federal army, fell in the last of these engagements, 
and his body was delivered to his friends under a flag of truce. 
Losses on Both Sides. — Thirty thousand Federals and 
12,000 Confederates fell in this brief campaign. General Lee 
took 9,000 prisoners, thirty cannon, and 30,000 small arms. In 
three months he had defeated two fine armies larger than his 
own, and had freed Virginia north of the James River, from in- 
vasion. At Second Manassas the Confederate artillery, newly 
organized by Lee's chief- of-artillery. General Pendleton, first 
took the important part it afterwards held in 
the Army of Northern Virginia. 

Lee in Maryland. — Virginia being free from 
hostile troops, Lee moved his army to Lees- 
burg and crossed over into Maryland. This 
advance frightened the Washington govern- 
ment. In the emergency they begged General 
McClellan once more to take command of the 
Ai-my of the Potomac and defend the capital, 
which he magnanimously consented to do. 

Jackson at Harper's Ferry. — Lee moved to Frederick City, 
and sent Jackson to capture Harper's Ferry and open the way 
to the Valley of Virginia. McClellan was approaching with 
87,000 men, and Lee, with the rest of his army, moved west- 
ward through the Katoctin and Blue Ridge Mountains. One 
of his orders of march was picked up, which revealed to Mc- 
Clellw hie adversary's intentions and quickened his pursuit. 




N. PENDLETON. 




Lincoln's administration. 271 

At several points Lee's men halted and gave battle, giving time 

for Jackson to take possession of Harper's Ferry, on September 

15th. A. P. Hill was left there to remove the 

13,000 prisoners, seventy-three cannon and 

30,000 muskets surrendered, while Jackson 

joined Lee on the west side of Antietam creek, 

near the village of Sharpsburg. 

Battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam. — Mc- 0^- 
Clellan opened on September 17th the bloody ^ \ 
battle known by both of these names. Hard ^ *\\ 
marching and fighting had produced so much a. p. hill. 

straggling that there were only 35,000 Confederates present, 
against McClellan's 80,000 and over. The Federal right attacked 
Jackson's corps fiercely at dawn. The tide of battle swept to and 
fro along the line ; Jackson drove the Federal troops in his front, 
but in the centre and on the other wing they pressed back the 
Southerners. The fresh troops of the Federal army seemed inex- 
haustible, while the broken and diminished Confederate regi- 
ments had to be re-formed and taken into action again and again. 
By stubborn fighting the Confederate centre and left had 
repulsed the Federals in their front at 3 P. M. Burnside's 
fresh troops then attacked the Southern right, and, aided by a 
powerful artillery fire, drove the Confederates before them. At 
this critical moment A. P. Hill's men, just from Harper's Ferry, 
rushed to the rescue of their comrades, and drove Burnside 
back across the creek with tremendous slaughter. Both armies 
slept on their arms, but Lee held the field, and McClellan asked 
permission to bury his dead. 

Lee Returns to Virginia. — After waiting quietly a whole 
day, Lee moved his army back to Virginia in the night. He had 
to leave the wounded Southerners in the hospitals, and there- 
fore McClellan claimed the victory. The loss on both sides was 
nearly equal — about 12,000 — and Sharpsburg must be consid- 
ered a drawn battle. Lee now took position between Shep- 
herdstown and Winchester, recruiting his exhausted army and 
improving its equipment with the arms taken at Harper's Ferrj^, 




272 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

McClellan Superseded by Biirnside. — General McClellan 
had once more failed to destroy Lee, and he was therefore 
superseded in command of the Army of the Potomac by Gen- 
eral Ambrose E. Burnside. 

"On to Richmond" by Fredericksburg. — General Burn- 
side decided to make his advance by Fredericksburg, as Mr. 
Lincoln had wished McClellan to do. His 
army of 125,000 men was in three divisons, 
under Hooker, Sumner, and Franklin. Sum- 
ner, who reached the heights opposite Fred- 
ericksburg on November 17th, wished to cross 
the Rappahannock and take possession of the 
town, where there were only a cavalry regiment 
^' ''^tr^ and four infantry companies of Southern troops. 
A. E. BURNSIDE. Bumside, however, would not permit him to 
cross at Fredericksburg, nor Hooker at the fords above. 

Fortifying at Fredericksburg. — The Federal army then 
fortified the country north of the Rappahannock, while Lee, on 
the south side, made earthworks and rifle-pits, and brought up 
the heaviest guns he could obtain. Jackson came again from 
the Valley, and all possible preparations were made for a des- 
perate resistance. From the heights north of the river. Burn- 
side's powerful guns commanded the lower ground on the south 
side, and it was impossible to prevent his troops from crossing 
under cover of their artillery. But the Confederates hoped to 
drive them back after they had crossed the river. It was an 
early and very severe winter, and both armies suffered from the 
cold. The Federal soldiers were well supplied with tents, food, 
and clothing. The Confederates, with few tents, built poor 
shelters of bushes. Their food was scanty rations of fat bacon 
and cornbread, and their clothing the ragged garments which 
had seen many a battle. Numbers of them were barefooted, 
but their hardships had not lessened their spirit or their pa- 
triotism. 

Bombardment of Fredericksburg. — Bumside, especially, 
desired to eat his Christmas dinner in Richmond, and began his 



Lincoln's administration. 273 

forward move on December 10th. Under cover of 150 great guns, 
a pontoon-bridge was laid across the river. The Confederate 
sharpshooters in the town hindered the operation, and a furious 
bombardment of the Httle city was the consequence. Many of 
the frightened people had already left their homes. The few 
who remained took shelter in the cellars, as it seemed as if every 
house must be battered to pieces. Owing to a dense fog, it was 
difficult to know what either army was doing. 

Disparity of Forces. — By the morning of the 13th, 90,000 
Federal soldiers, with 220 cannon, had crossed the river. Forty 
thousand men and 104 guns, under Sumner, at Fredericksburg ; 
50,000 men and 116 guns, under Franklin, lower down. North 
of the river was the reserve of 23,000 men under Hooker, and 
150 siege guns on the hills. Lee had only 60,000 men and 250 
pieces of artillery. Longstreet was on the Confederate left 
opposite Sumner, and Jackson on the right opposite Franklin. 

Battle of Frederickslburg. — Jackson's right was assailed 
in the early morning. At 1 P. M., under cover of a furious 
cannonade, the Federals advanced in great force along his 
whole front. The Confederate artillery was forbidden to fire 
until their assailants were close upon them. On the left it 
checked the enemy's advance. On the right the Federals pen- 
etrated a gap in Jackson's first line, but were immediately 
driven back to the shelter of their batteries. 

Marye's Hill. — The artillery on the Stafford heights hurled 
a storm of shot upon Longstreet's corps, during the morning, 
and, at 11 A. M. Sumner's advance began. Marye's Hill, the key 
to the whole position, was held by the Washington Artillery on 
its crest, and by other batteries, so placed that they could sweep 
the plain in front. A sunken road and a stone wall, at the base 
of the hill, hid a strong infantry force, and reserves of men and 
guns were on the rear slope. As Sumner's columns advanced, the 
large guns across the river fired more heavily. The Confeder- 
ate cannon, as on Jackson's line, remained silent untU the assail- 
ants were within easy reach. The murderous fire then poured 
into them did not deter the steady advance of the Federal ranks. 
18 



274 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

As one division was mown down, another took its place ; but 
when the unexpected rifle-fire from the sunken road burst forth 
in their very faces they staggered back in confusion. 

Hooker's Reserves Defeated. — Seeing Sumner's men melt 
away before the Confederate line, Burnside ordered Hooker to 
take his men across the river and carry Marye's Hill. This 
effort was no more successful than the previous ones. Six times 
the blue Federal lines moved up to storm the hill, to be six times 
driven back. As the last assault was made, the heated guns on 
top of the hill were moved back to give place for fresh ones. The 
advancing brigades thought their foes were retreating. Instead 
of this, they were met by fresh cannon and infantry, which 
drove them back with deadly slaughter. "WTien night came, 
12,000 Federal soldiers, and 5,000 Confederates lay dead or 
wovmded on the icy plain. Knowing that 
Burnside's army was double his own, General 
Lee thought the advance on the 13th was only 
a "reconnoissance in force" to find out his 
position and strength, and kept his army ready 
for a real attack the next day. Sunday and 
Monday went by without any renewal of the 
-lYrJ-'a;,,^* '^ fight, and on Monday night the Federal army, 
JOSEPH HOOKER, in tho darkucss and fog, recrossed the river. 
One of Longstreet's divisions and parts of two of Jackson's had 
repulsed the great hosts in their front. 

Result of the Victory. — This battle ended active operations 
for the winter. All through the South the privations conse- 
quent upon the war were making themselves felt, yet the people 
at home made great efforts to supply the needs of the soldiers. 
Women set to spinning cotton and wool ; they wove cloth, knit 
socks, and made caps and gloves. The carpets from the floors 
were cut up into blankets for the soldiers, and aU provisions that 
could be spared were sent to furnish the" hungry men in the 
field with a few good meals. 

Devotion of Confederate Women. — History shows that 
whenever any people have contended for their freedom and 




■j^> -^■. 



Lincoln's administration. 275 

their rights, the women of that nation have shared the burdens 
and trials of the conflict, and have encouraged and stimulated 
the men by their sympathy and cheerful fortitude. This gener- 
ous devotion to their country's cause was specially remarkable 
among the Southern women. To it they gave their dearest and 
best, and bore up bravely in defeat as well as in victory. With 
silent courage they faced privation and danger. They nursed 
the sick and wounded ; took charge of farms and plantations ; 
supplied the growing deficiencies in all domestic affairs with 
wonderful ingenuity ; they cared for and directed the thousands 
of negroes left dependent upon them ; and never lost their trust 
in God and the righteousness of their cause, though their loved 
ones languished in prison or lay dead on the battle-field. Their 
patriotism and womanly fidelity will be held in honor while the 
world lasts. 

Questions. — 1. Who was made commander-in-chief of the Federal 
forces? 2. Why did Pope become unpopular? 3. Tell of the battle of 
Cedar Mountain and the destruction wrought bj- Pope's army. 4. How and 
by whom was Manassas Junction captured ? 5. Describe the battles of Sec- 
ond Manassas. 6. Who gained the victory ? 7. What were the losses in 
this campaign? 8. What movement was now made by General Lee? 9. 
Who was once more put in command of the Federal army ? 10. Tell of 
Jackson's capture of Harper's Ferry. 11. Describe the battle of Sharps- 
burg or Antietam. 12. Which side gained the victory? 13. Who super- 
seded McClellan ? 14. What was his plan for reaching Richmond ? 15. 
What armies gathered at Fredericksburg ? 16. What was the condition of 
the Confederate soldiers ? 17. Tell of the bombardment of Fredericksburg. 
18. What were the forces on both sides ? 19. Describe the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg, and the attack on Marye's Hill. 20. Why was not the battle 
renewed? 21. What did the commanders on both sides now do ? 22. Tell 
of the devotion of the Southern women and of the work they accomplished. 
23. Find the battle-fields on the map. 



276 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTER LL 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1862. 

Defences of New Orleans. — Seventy miles below New Orleans 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip commanded the channel of the 
Mississippi, which was also defended by a raft of logs and chains 
stretched across it, and by a Confederate fleet of thirteen small 
gunboats, a floating battery and the ram 3Ia)iassas. 

Federal Forces in the River. — Admiral Farragut had seven 
large, steam war-vessels, sixteen gunboats, twenty-one mortar- 
schooners, and transports with 15,000 men on board, under 
General Benjamin F. Butler. To overpower the forts with this 
strong force was a mere question of time. On April 18th a bom- 
bardment was begun and carried on for six days and nights. 
The river was rising rapidly, and had washed away part of the 
raft. The forts gave no sign of surrender and Farragut, divid- 
ing his fleet into three squadrons, left one to attack each fort, 
and, with the third, ran past the defences and up the river, on 
the morning of April 23d. The Confederate vessels contested 
the advance until eleven of them were disabled. The attacking 
ships were also much injured, but thirteen of them, which 
were unhurt, steamed on to seize the city. 

Affairs in New Orleans. — The approach of the hostile ves- 
sels filled New Orleans with grief and alarm. General Mansfield 
Lovell turned the city over to its municipal authorities and took 
his soldiers away to be used elsewhere. Great supplies of stores 
were destroyed to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. 
The levees blazed for miles with burning cotton, sugar and mo- 
lasses. The unfinished war-vessels were set on fire and launched 
into the middle of the river, and thousands of citizens gathered 
up such property as they could carry with them, and hastily left 
the city. 

Fall of New Orleans.— On the 25th of April Admiral Far- 
ragut's fleet anchored ofi" the city. The mayor refused to sur- 



Lincoln's administration, 277 

render because the forts still held out. Farragut then sent ma- 
rines on shore, who hoisted the United States flag over the mint. 
This flag was soon taken down by a young man named Munf ord. 
While this was going on the forts had been attacked in front 
and rear. Their food and ammunition were exhausted, and, on 
the 28th, they spiked their guns and surrendered.' 

Oreat Losses of the Confederates. — By the 1st of May the 
Confederates had lost in the West and South, Kentucky and 
Missouri, with the defences at Columbus, Henry, Donelson, 
New Madrid and Island No. 10. They had abandoned Middle 
Tennessee, had lost Nashville and New Orleans, and the import- 
ant battles of Elkhorn and Shiloh. When Beauregard fell 
back from Shiloh to Tupelo, in Mississippi, Fort Pillow and the 
city of Memphis fell into Federal hands, and General Buell, who 
occupied Corinth, sent his cavalry to destroy the railroads and 
bridges and Confederate property of all sorts. 

Confederate Conscription. — To obviate the difficulties of re- 
enlistment and fill up the armies, the Confederate Congress, 
early in the year, ordered that able-bodied men between eighteen 
and thirty-five should be enrolled, and, when called for, should 
be drafted into the service for three years. Those who had en- 
listed for one year were to serve two more. 

Changes of Commanders. — Van Dorn now brought 17,000 
men from Arkansas, and the Army of Mississippi was made 
stronger and more efficient. On account of ill-health, Beaure- 
gard was replaced in command by General Braxton Bragg, who 

1 General B. F. Butler was placed in command of the city, who, from his brutal 
exercise of power, was afterwards known as " Beast Butler." One of his first acts 
was to hang Munford for pulling down the United States flag before the city sur- 
rendered. He insulted the women of the city because they would not extend cour- 
tesy to himself and his men, and authorized his soldiers to treat them with 
shameful indignity. Besides this, he and his men " confiscated " and took what- 
ever they wanted. Furniture, jewels, silver, books, pictures, spoils of all sorts, 
were sent to adorn the homes and please the friends of the plunderers. The pub- 
lic prints had caricatures of General Butler, with his pockets full of spoons and 
ladles, and many severe jokes were made on him in after years. He oppressed and 
devastated both New Orleans and the whole Gulf coast of Louisiana, and, for his 
outrages against the rules of modern warfare, was outlawed by President Davis. 
The Federal government found it expedient to remove him, and General Banks 
was put in hia place. 



278 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

had done so much to improve the discipline and efficiency of the 
army that great things were expected from him. The Federal 
generals Halleck and Pope went to Virginia ; Buell and Thomas, 
with their troops, were sent to Chattanooga ; and General Grant 
was given command of the Army of the Tennessee, with Sher- 
man, McClernand and Rosecrans under him. 

Effort to Recover Tennessee and Kentucky. — General 
Bragg now tried to recover the ground lost in Tennessee and 
Kentucky for the Confederacy. He left Van Dorn to prevent 
Grant's joining Buell, and took the rest of his army towards Chat- 
tanooga. To clear the way for his advance, 
he sent Forrest's' cavalry forward through 
Middle Tennessee, and Morgan's' into Ken- 
tucky. Forrest, advancing northward, took 
McMinnville and Murfreesboro with its large 
garrison and stores. Morgan, with 2,000 men, 
seized the towns of Lebanon and Cynthiana, 
^^^f^J^ ^^^ and captured 1,200 prisoners. He cut tele- 
N. B. FOBEEST. graph wiros, burned railroad bridges, and went 
so near to Cincinnati as to cause great alarm. Then he turned 
back and seized Clarksville, in Tennessee, with a large supply of 
military stores. 

Bragg Advances into Kentucky.— Bragg sent part of his 
men to strengthen Kirby Smith's command, which pushed on 
through East Tennessee into Kentucky, while a small body of 
troops was left to prevent the Federal garrison in Cumberland 

1 Nathan B. Forrest was a native of Tennessee. With little education and no 
military training, he proved to be one of the great soldiers of his time. His pow- 
erful frame, dauntless courage and unusual activity, combined with his aptness to 
perceive his enemy's weak points, and his power to influence men, made him a 
born leader. His military capacity was such that he never failed to carry out the 
boldest undertakings, and never met with a defeat, although he almost always en- 
countered greatly superior numbers. He was the terror of liis foes, and the beloved 
defender of the Gulf States. 

2 John H. Morgan, born in Alabama, had grown up in Kentucky. He entered the 
Confederate service in 1861, and at once became distinguished as a daring cavalry 
officer. The soldiers of his command were as fearless and enterprising as him- 
self, and under such admirable discipline that their obedience and valor were to 
be trusted in any circumstances. When he now returned to Kentucky, hundreds 
of her noblest sons flocked to his standard. 




Lincoln's administration. 



279 




Gap from moving on his rear. Bragg hastened into Central 
Kentucky with 30,000 men. Buell also hurried northward to 
oppose the Confederate advance. 

Battle of Richmond, Kentucky. — Moving rapidly through 
Eastern Kentucky, Kirby Smith, on August 30th, the same day 
of Lee's victory at Second Manassas, with 5,000 
men attacked and defeated 10,000 Federal 
troops near Richmond, Kentucky. Five thous- 
and prisoners, nine cannon, and 10,000 stand of 
small arms were taken on the field. A few 
days later Bragg entered Kentucky. 

Capture of Louisville. — Bragg had about -^^ 
52,000 men marching on separate roads. Buell 
had about the same number, but was rapidly e. kieby smith. 
reinforced. Both armies moved towards Louisville, but Bragg 
stopped, first, to capture Munfordville, with 4,133 prisoners, and 
then at Frankfort, to inaugurate a Confederate governor for 
Kentucky. Buell, in the meantime, pressed 
forward and occupied Louisville, and Bragg's 
opportunity for success was lost. 

Grant at luka and Corinth. — Van Dom, 
who had been left in Mississippi to defeat 
Grant and then to join Bragg, had, instead, ex- 
jDcrienced two severe defeats. Price's division 
-' had been severely handled at luka, and later 
on the whole Confederate army had been re- 
pulsed with heavy loss in a desperate attack on the Federal for- 
tifications at Corinth. This was a great blow to the Southern 
cause. 

Bragg at Frankfort. — Buell soon had 75,000 men in Louis- 
ville. Bragg could get no reinforcements, and was obliged to 
fall back to save the quantities of stores he had collected. To 
get into the Confederate rear and cut off theii* retreat Buell 
moved towards the southeast. Bragg, however, took the idea 
that Buell was coming to fight him at Frankfort, and kept most 
of the troops there. 




280 BRIKP HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Battle of Perryville.— On October 8th Polk's corps, 16,000 
strong, encountered 58,000 of Buell's army at Perryville. AMien 
night put a stop to the fierce fighting Polk lield the ground, 
having repulsed the enemy and captured fifteen cannon and 
600 prisoners. His loss was 3,14:5 ; that of the Federals some- 
what greater. In the night he moved to join the other South- 
ern forces. Bragg then fell back into East Tennessee, carrying 
a large supply of provisions and stores. This campaign bittei'ly 
disappointed both sides. The South justly felt that with more 
rapid movements Bragg could have accomplished more, and the 
North believed that Buell might have surrounded and destroyed 
Bragg's army. Buell was therefore superseded by Rosecrans. 
Van Dorn was also replaced by General John C. Pemberton. 

Result of the Campaign. — Bragg had misused his opportu- 
nities, but he had recovered East Tennessee and a large part of 
the middle of the State. He now posted his army at Murfrees- 
boro', forty miles from Nashville, and threw up earthworks. 

Battle of Miirfreesboro' or Stone River. — Here Rosecrans 
moved against him on the 30th of December. Forty-six thouT 
sand nine hundred and forty men on the Federal side and 37,712 
on the Confederate were engaged in this battle. Rosecrans in- 
tended to open the attack with his left wing in the early morning 
of the last day of the year. Bragg forestalled 
this by a gallant assault on the Federal right. 
By 11 o'clock that whole wing was driven 
from its position, half the field had been taken, 
and Wharton's Confederate cavalry had passed 
round to the rear and cut ofi" the supply trains. 
General Thomas held the Federal centre firmly 
for a time, but, at last, Polk's Mississippi and 
J. A. WHARTON. Alabama troops carried the line of defence at 
the point of the bayonet, and the centre joined the right in the 
rapid retreat. The lines of the two armies were now at right 
angles to their original positions. 

" Hell's Half- Acre." — The Federal left, which held a strong 
jjosition in "The Round Forest," between the river and a deep 




LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



281 



railway cut, repulsed all efforts against it. So great was the 
slaughter made upon the attacking Southerners that the sol- 
diers called the bloody ground "Hell's Half-Acre." When 
night came Rosecrans still held the Round Forest, but during 
the night the whole Federal army was drawn farther back, and 
the field was left to the Confederates. 

Yictory Claimed by Both Sides. — On the 1st of January, 
1863, both armies were quiet from exhaustion. On the 2nd, 
there was again heavy fighting without definite results. Then 
a tremendous rain made Bragg apprehensive lest a rise in Stone 







BATTLE OF MUEFEEESBOEO. 



River might cut him off from his supplies. Rosecrans was re- 
ceiving large reinforcements, so the Confederate commander 
crossed his army over the river in the night of the 3rd, and drew 
it further back. On account of this withdrawal the North 
claimed the victory, as the South had done on the night of De- 
cember 31st. The losses in the fight were terrible. The Fed- 
eral army lost 13,249 men, thirty cannon, nine flags, and 6,000 
stand of small arms ; the Confederates 10,266 men, and some of 
their best officers. The larger loss in the Federal army could 
easily be made up, but the South was beginning to feel severely 
the drain upon her population, Bragg had telegraphed a great 



282 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



victory to Richmond, and the whole South was astonished to 
find him again falling back. Both the country and the army 
lost confidence in him. But President Davis could not believe 
him incapable and kept him at the head of the army in Ten- 
nessee. 

Van Dorn Burns Grant's Depot at Holly Springs. — During 
the later months of 1862, General Grant began his efforts against 
Vicksburg. At Holly Springs, in Mississippi, where several rail- 
roads met, he established a fortified camp, and collected great 




BURNING OF HOLLY SPRINGS, 



supplies of army stores. Van Dorn, with his Confederate cav- 
alry, raided round Grant's army, cut his communications, cap- 
tured Holly Springs and 2,000 Federal soldiers, and then burned 
the storehouses with millions of dollars worth of Federal prop- 
erty. In consequence of this. Grant was compelled to fall back. 
Confederate Cruisers, 1862. — Immense injury was done to 
Federal commerce during this year by the few Confederate ves- 
sels on the ocean. There were two cruisers of especial activity, 
the Alabama, built at Liverpool for the Confederates, and the 
Florida, which was bought. These vessels had to slip away 



Lincoln's administration. 283 

from England unarmed and then pick up their guns and crews 
at some appointed place. Commanded by Captain Raphael 
Semmes, who had already done good service on the Sumter, the 
Alabama cruised with great success in the Atlantic and Indian 
Oceans. The Florida, under Captain John H. Maffit, also cap- 
tured many Federal merchantmen. The Shenandoah was a 
third most efficient Southern cruiser. 

Condition of tlie Confederacy, 1862. — Except the short 
extent of coast between Charleston and Savannah, and one or 
two points in North Carolina, the Federal troops and vessels 
now held all the Atlantic and most of the Gulf coast, as well as 
the Mississippi River above Vicksburg and below Grand Gulf. 
The strong blockade kept supplies and recruits from Europe 
out of the South, and Federal armies in Tennessee and Missis- 
sippi threatened the communications by which the Southern 
armies were supported. In the field, the Confederates had the 
advantage, and the wonderful victories of Jackson and Lee won 
the admiration of the world, and led the Southern soldiers to 
believe that they would surely achieve Southern independence. 

Questions. — 1. How was the Mississippi defended below New Orleans ? 
2. Describe the advance of the Federal forces up the river. 3. How did it 
affect affairs in the city ? 4. Tell of the fall of New Orleans. 5. Describe 
General B. F. Butler's occupancy of the city, and his behavior there (note). 
6. What great losses had been sustained by the Confederacy ? 7. What 
conscription law was passed ? 8. Who became commander of the army of 
Mississippi, and who were opposed to him ? 9. What was his plan ? 10. 
Give a sketch of N. B. Forrest (note). 11. Give a sketch of John H. 
Morgan (note). 12. What movements were now made by Bragg and Buell ? 
13. Tell of the battle of Richmond, Kentucky. 14. Who got possession 
of Louisville? 15. What two battles were fought in Mississippi, and with 
what results? 16. Where was Bragg at this time ? 17. Tell of the battle 
of. Perrjwille. 18. What was the result of this campaign? 19. Why 
were both sides dissatisfied ? 20. Describe the great battle of IMurfreesboro' 
or Stone River. 21. Why was the victoiy claimed by both sides? 22. 
Who were the commanders on both sides, and what were the losses. 23. 
TeU of the burning of Holly Springs. 24. Give an account of the Confed- 
erate cruisers. 25. What was the condition of the Confederacy at the close 
of 1862 ? 26. Find all the places on the map. 



284 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTER LH. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION. CONTINUED— 1862. 

West Virginia Formed. — Early in 1861, the forty-eight coun- 
ties in Virginia which had refused to take part in secession were 
recognized by the United States government as if they were the 
whole State, and sent members to the United States Congress. 
Francis H. Pierpoint was the governor of this pretended State. 
After the fall of Donelson, Mr. Lincoln appointed Andrew John- 
son "Military Governor" of Tennessee, and persons sent from 
the State were received for a time into the Federal Congress.* 

Mr. Lincoln's View of Slavery in 1861.— Mr. Lincoln had 
declared more than once that the question of slavery had nothing 
to do with the conflict between the two sections of the country. 
In his inaugural address he said that he had no purpose, inclina- 
tion or right to interfere with the institution of slavery. His 
first annual message repeated these sentiments. He said he 
should be guided by the Constitution, and rebuked General 
Fremont in Missouri, and General Hunter in Florida for j^ro- 
claiming the slaves free. You have read that Congress denied 
that it had any power to interfere with slavery. 

Change of Opinions. — But the North saw with disappoint- 
ment and chagrin the immense armies they had equipped at so 
much expense melt away before their Southern foes. The valor 
and prowess of the Confederacy were beginning to influence 
Europe in her favor, and it seemed all important to devise some 
more effectual mode of striking the Southern people and re- 
awakening the old prejudice against them. 

Prospective Emancipation, 1862. — Mr. Lincoln found that 

1 Conventions of Southern sympathizers had met in Missouri and Kentucky, 
voted those States into the Confederacy, and elected "provisional legislatures." 
Representatives, chosen by these legislatures or by the soldiers from these States, 
had seats in the Confederate Congress, so that there were two sets of Congress- 
men, one in Washington and one in Richmond, from Virginia, Tennessee, Ken- 
tucky and Missouri. 



Lincoln's administration. 285 

an act of Congress of 1862, which confiscated all the property, 
especially the slaves, of those whom the North characterized as 
"rebels," gave great satisfaction to the haters of the South. 
He, therefore, issued, just after the battle of Sharpsburg, a pro- 
clamation declaring that slavery should cease on January 1, 
1863, in any seceded State which had not by that time returned 
to the Union. ^ 

Effects of the Proclamation. — Many persons at the North 
strongly condemned this interference with the rights of the 
Southern people by robbing them thus of their property. A 
number of the Northern States showed their opposition to it 
and other arbitrary measures of the government at the Novem- 
ber elections. New York elected as governor Horatio Seymour, 
who had advocated compromise legislation to avert the war, and 
who was wholly opposed to the Emancipation Proclamation and 
other high-handed pi'oceedings of the government. The pro- 
clamation awoke new patriotism and devotion at the South, as 
it showed that under pretext of "preserving the Union" the 
Northern Kepublicans would trample upon all law and defy the 
Constitution in order to work their own will. 

Emancipation, Jannary 1, 1863. — January 1, 1863, a second 
proclamation from Mr. LincoLa declared all slaves in the seceded 
States absolutely and forever free. This did not affect negroes 
out of the reach of the Federal armies. But after it, whenever 
those armies advanced, the negroes flocked to them in hordes, 
expecting to be supported in idleness. The question of main- 
taining the ignorant thousands who thus crowded into their 
camps, soon became a very serious one to the Federal com- 
manders. Many of the men were employed as teamsters and 
camp servants, and others were enlisted into the army. 

War Prices. — Gold and silver were scarce at the North, but 
paper money, " greenbacks," was abundant. Prices had risen 

1 The three special objects of this proclamation were to stir up the negroes 
against their masters, which would compel the white men to go home to protect 
their families, and thus weaken the Southern armies ; to make the people of Eus 
rope believe that the South was fighting only to maintain slavery ; and to make it 
appear that the Democratic party, which thought that each State must settle tb^ 
question of slavery for itself, was unwilling to carry on the war. 



286 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

considerably, but there was work for everybody. The large 
bounties paid the soldiers provided for their families, and there 
was little want. Paper was the only currency in the South, and 
it was fast becoming worthless. Supplies formerly obtained 
from the North or from Europe were scarcely to be had, and 
brought great prices.' 

Suffering in the South. — It was all the Southern railroads 
could do to move the armies and transport food for them. Each 
region of country had, therefore, to raise provisions enough to 
feed its population. When an army swept over a district, the 
people had either to move away or suffer from want. As time 
went on, the destitution increased until the suflferings of the 
people can scarcely be imagined. 

Exchange of Prisoners. — The Northern government at 
first refused to make any arrangements for the exchange of 
prisoners of war, although commanders in the field frequently 
exchanged the prisoners they held, as long as the numbers 
remained equal. Late in 1861 the Federal Congress insisted 
that arrangements should be made for an immediate exchange 
of prisoners, of which the South then held the greater number. 
The Federal War Department tried to avoid such exchange, 
but the people insisted, and, in July, 1862, General Dix, United 
States Army, and General D. H. Hill, Confederate States Army, 
signed a cartel for the mutual exchange of prisoners, which was 
observed for a time. 

War Prisons. — The Confederate government wished to have 
all prisoners exchanged or paroled promptly. This was done 
with some regularity while the South held the excess of prison- 
ers, up to the summer of 1863. After that time, when the ex- 

1 Coffee was scarce at twenty dollars a pound. Tea cost more. Kid gloves, which 
" ran the blockade," sold from five dollars to twenty-five dollars. Shoes, fine dress 
goods, paper, books, pins, needles, buttons, scissors, sewing materials, the many 
little necessities of life were hard to get, and ten times their former prices, even in 
the cities. In the country they could scarcely be found at all. The sewing ma- 
chines wore out, and there were few needles for hand sewing. Silk fringes and 
home-made thread of cotton or flax, mended old garments or made the few new 
ones. Collegeb were closed, professors and students having all gone to the army. 
Occasional schools were taught by disabled soldiers who took provisions for pay, 
as well as Confederate money. 



Lincoln's administration. ' "' 287 

cess was held by the North, which could amply provide for its 
armies and its captives, they refused to exchange them, and 
crowded them into forts and prison camps, where they were tor- 
tured or destroyed by hardships, privation and cruelty. This 
compelled the South also to provide places of imprisonment for 
thousands of Northern prisoners. There was scanty food and 
few comforts for the Southern soldiers and people, and their 
prisoners were, of necessity, poorly fed and housed. But they 
fared as well, if not better, than the armies in the field, and had 
better quarters. 

West Tirginia Admitted to the Union, 1863. — Late in 
1862, the forty-eight counties of Virginia organized a govern- 
ment, and applied for admission into the Union as the State of 
"West Virginia." The Constitution says that "no State shall 
be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of another State, 
without the consent of the legislature of the State concerned as 
well as of Congress." Virginia would never have consented to 
be thus robbed of nearly one-half of the territory she held after 
she gave the Northwest to the Union. She was not consulted 
on the subject. Notwithstanding this, the illegal request of the 
unconstitutional State was granted, and West Virginia was ad- 
mitted to the Union in the Spring of 1863. 

Questions. — 1. What action was taken by the United States government 
with reference to forty-eight counties in Virginia ? 2. In what States were 
there two governments (note)? 3. What were Mr. Lincoln's views of 
slavery in 1861 ? 4. What caused him to change them ? 5. What procla- 
mation was issued in the fall of 1862 ? 6. What were its effects ? 7. When 
was the Emancipation Proclamation issued ? 8. How did it affect many of 
the negroes? 9. Give some account of war prices and privations (note). 
10. Tell of the suffering in the South. 11. What steps were taken for the 
exchange of prisoners ? 12. What is said of war prisons, North and South ? 
13. When was West Virginia admitted into the Union ? 



288 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTEE Lin. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1868. 

Attack on Galveston. — Nearly the whole Texan coast was 
held by the Federals. On Galveston Island they had a garri- 
son of several hundred soldiers ; four fine gunboats and some 
armed transports guarded the harbor. General Magruder, com- 
manding in the State, covered two river steamboats with cot- 
ton bales to protect them from the enemy's shot, put some heavy 
guns on them, planted field-batteries on the shore, and, with the 
help of a small infantry force, attacked the Federal gunboats and 
the garrison. The land batteries hurled shot and shell at the 
Federal vessels. The cotton-clad steamboats attacked the largest 
of them, the Harriet Lane, boarded and captured her. The 
United States flagship, the Westfield, in getting out of range of 
the batteries, ran aground. To avoid surrendering her, the cajj- 
tain blew her up and lost his life in the explosion. The other 
ships escaped, but the garrison surrendered, and the Confede- 
rates recovered possession of Galveston, capturing 600 prisoners 
and many valuable stores. 

Sabine Pass. — In the attempt on Sabine Pass, later in the 
year, a fleet of Federal gunboats, accompanied by tranports car- 
rying 5,000 men and forty cannon, was driven off" by the guns 
in a small fort, and two of the gunboats were forced to sur- 
render. 

Federal Advance on Charleston. — The North, especially, 
hated Charleston, South Carolina, which it regarded as the cra- 
dle of secession ; and there was a great desire to capture it by 
April 14th, the anniversary of the surrender of Fort Sumter. 
To efi'ect this. Admiral Dupont entered the outer harbor at 
Charleston on April 7th, with a strong naval force. By direc- 
tion of General Beauregard the fleet was permitted to pass the 
batteries on Morris's Island without receiving a shot. When 



Lincoln's administration. 289 

the vessels were within gunshot of Sumter, the guns of the fort 
and from all the islands round opened on them. They replied 
fiercely, but directed their principal fury against Fort Sumter. 
Iron cables and sunken piles prevented the shijDS passing round 
the fort. They, therefore, attacked it in front with a terrific 
fire, but the Southern guns proved too strong even for the mon- 
itors. In less than an hour the powerful iron fleet was compelled 
to withdraw. The Keokuk was so injured that she sank near 
Morris Island, and others of the monitors received such injury 
that they had to be taken back to Port Royal. Later in the sum- 
mer General Gilmore made an equally unsuccessful attack upon 
Charleston. 

Hooker Commanding in Tirginia. — The great campaigns 
of 1863 opened in Virginia, where General Burnside had been 
superseded by General Hooker, who was known as " Fighting- 
Joe " from his bravery in the field. Hooker's army at Frede- 
ricksburg numbered, in April, 120,000 infantry and artillery, 
12,000 cavalry, all thoroughly equipped and disciplined, and 
more than 400 cannon. 

Lee's Troops. — During the winter Lee had sent part of 
Longstreet's corps to the south of Petersburg, where it could 
be fed with comparative ease, and had retained only some 
40,000 men between Fredericksburg and Richmond. At one 
time, indeed, furloughs and other causes reduced the army 
there to 30,000 men. By the last of April it was increased to 
53,000 men of all arms. 

Hooker Moves to ChanceUorsviHe. — Hooker determined to 
advance against Lee's left flank by the upper fords of the Rap- 
pahannock. To conceal his intention, he sent Stoneman with 
some 10,000 cavalry to pass behind Lee and destroy his com- 
munications, while Sedgwick, with 37,000 men, moved to the 
heights below Fredericksburg on April 29th. Hooker moved 
his main army up the Rappahannock and crossed that river and 
the Rapidan. By May 1st six Federal corps, 90,000 men in all, 
were gathered round ChanceUorsviHe, a plantation settlement in 
the heart of a dense grovf th of young trees and bushes, known 
as "The Wilderness." 
19 




290 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Lee's Move. — The Southern commander soon understood 
General Hooker's plans, and proceeded to frustrate them. Lee 
left Early, with 9,000 infantry and some artillery battalions, 
with forty-five guns, to keep Sedgwick back, and moved to- 
wards Chancellorsville with about 43,000 men. On May 1st 
the van of the two armies became engaged, and the Federals 
were driven back upon their main body intrenched around Chan- 
cellorsville. Knowing that a direct attack upon 
these breastworks would occasion immense 
loss of life, Lee, as on former occasions, the 
next morning divided his army, and sent Jack- 
son to move round to the Federal right flank 
and rear. The first road taken by Jackson led 
towards the southwest, and the Federals con- 
strued the movement into the beginning of a 
J. A. EAELY. retreat. A small force sent to find out about 
it was repulsed, and Lee kept up such vigorous demonstra- 
tions along his front that no more men were sent after Jackson. 
Jackson's Successful Attack. — After a march of fifteen 
miles, Jackson reached the rear of the Federal right at a point 
so close to it that Howard's men coiild be seen cooking their 
supper. When Jackson's men rushed on them like a thunderbolt 
from a cloudless sky, they were completely surprised. The Elev- 
enth Federal corps became utterly demoralized and fled, leav- 
ing everything behind them. The Southerners crashed forward 
through the undergrowth, clambered over the breastworks, drove 
all before them, and shortly before nightfall, captured the in- 
trenchments, less than a half a mile from Hooker's headquarters, 
with all their guns and many of the men. 

Jackson Sliot. — Jackson now rode forward in the dark with 
his stafl' to examine the enemy's position. As they returned to 
the Confederate lines, in the increasing darkness, the party was 
mistaken for a squad of Federal cavalry, and was fired into by 
a Southern regiment. Two of them fell dead, and Jackson was 
among others who were severely wounded. General A. P. Hill, 
the second in command, was disabled by the same volley, and 



Lincoln's administration. 291 

General J. E. B. Stuart was summoned from the cavalry out- 
posts to take command of the corps. 

Renewal of the Battle. — When General Lee learned of Jack- 
son's wound, he directed Stuart to continue the attack and sent 
him Anderson's division from the front. At dawn of Sunday, May 
3rd, the Confederates again advanced. Much Confederate artil- 
lery had come up during the night, and was now used to great 
advantage. As the Federal soldiers were swept out of the breast- 
works by the Confederate infantry, the guns were brought for- 
ward from point to point, until the central position at Chancel- 
lorsvUle alone remained to be carried. General Lee had come 
from the front, and seemed to give fresh courage and strength 
to his men. The Federal troops fought stoutly and repulsed 
two assaults of the Southerners. A third carried the foremost 
heights. Confederate guns opened a tremendous fire from their 
crest, and by 10 A. M. Chancellorsville was won. 

Burning of the House and Woods. — The Federal army was 
still more than double the number of the Confederates, and two 
of its corps had not been engaged at all. But General Hooker 
had been stunned by a shell bursting near him. There was no 
efficient head left to it, and the Federal host fell back to heavy 
intrenchments nearer the Rappahannock. Bursting shells had 
set fire to the woods and the Chancellorsville house, which was 
full of Federal woiinded. General Lee first took steps to rescue 
these sufferers, and then re-formed his weary army and prepared 
to attack the new Federal position. 

Sedgwick's Advance. — News that Sedgwick had captured 
the heights of Fredericksburg, driven off the force opposing 
him, and was moving upon Lee's rear, compelled the Southern 
commander to turn round against him, instead of moving for- 
ward. On the night of May 3rd, Wilcox, with the aid of troops 
sent by Lee, repulsed Sedgwick's advance with great slaughter. 
On the 4th, Early re-occupied Fredericksburg and then ad- 
vanced upon Sedgwick's rear. Lee at the same time attacked 
Sedgwick in front with McLaw's and Anderson's divisions and 
drove him to the river, which he crossed under cover of night 
and fog. 



292 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Hooker Defeated at Chancellorsville. — When the Confed- 
ates advanced, on the morning of May 6th, they found the whole 
Federal army gone. Hooker had retreated during the night, in 
spite of his assurances to the country of the " certain destruc- 
tion " of the Southern army. He had 
lost 17,000 men, thirteen guns, 19,500 
stand of arms, seventeen flags, and 
much ammunition, and his utter dis- 
comfiture occasioned much alarm at 
Washington, and great disappoint- 
ment throughout the North. 

Death of Jackson. — Ten thousand 
two hundred and eighty-one men and 
eight guns was the heavy price paid 
by the Confederates for this victory, 
and even more than this was the loss 
of Jackson himself. His wound re- 
sulted in his death on May 10th. 
General Lee's exclamation that "any 
victory is a dear one which deprives 
[Erected by English admirers.] us of the services of Jackson," proved 
to be too true. Other generals were as brave, as patriotic and 
devoted, but no one possessed Jackson's military insight, rapidity 
of movement, daring in attack and the habit of victory, which 
made both friends and foes believe him invincible.* 




JACKSON MONUMENT. 



Questions. — 1. Describe General Magruder's attack on Galveston, and 
how he captured the city. 2. What was done at Sabine Pass ? 3. Where 
was the next naval attack ? 4. Describe the second bombardment of Fort 
Sumter and its results. 5. Who was the Federal commander in Virginia at 
this time ? 6. What troops did General Lee have ? 7. Tell of General 
Hooker's move to Chancellorsville. 8. What movements were made by 
General Lee ? 9. Describe General Jackson's successful attack. 10. Tell 
how Jackson was wounded. 11. How was the battle renewed, and with 

1 There had been remarkable religious interest and feeling in the Army of 
Northern Virginia during this year, especially in Jackson's corps. That general 
had log chapels built by his men, encouraged the religious work among them, and 
provided tliem witli devout, faithful chaplains. General Lee and other officers of 
rank shared his interest. 



Lincoln's administration. 293 

what results? 12. What trouble was occasioned by the bursting of shells? 
13. Tell how Sedgwick's advance was repulsed? 14. How did General Hooker 
escape from Lee, and with what loss ? 17. Tell of Jackson's death. 16. What 
is said of the religious feeling in the Array of Northern Virginia (note)? 
17. Look on the maps for all the places mentioned. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1863. 

Lee Moves North. — After Jackson's death, General Lee 
divided his army into three corps, under Longstreet, Ewell, and 
A. P. Hill, and prepared for another move northward. By the 
first of June the army was increased to 68,000 men, with more 
than 200 cannon. On the 3d of the month Lee set out with 
Longstreet's and Ewell's commands, leaving A. P. Hill's corps 
in front of Hooker's 118,000 men. From Culpeper, Ewell went 
directly to the Valley of Virginia, while Longstreet and Stuart 
remained for a while on the east side of the mountains. When 
these movements were ascertained, the Federal army left Fred- 
ericksburg to keep between Lee and Washington. A. P. Hill 
then followed his comrades to the Valley. 

Ewell Takes Winchester. — On June l-tth, Ewell drove Mil- 
roy out of Winchester, where he captured 4,000 prisoners, 
twenty-eight fine cannon, and a huge supply of stores of every 
description. Ewell's corps then crossed the Potomac to Hagers- 
town, and soon advanced into Pennsylvania, to Chambersburg, 
Carlisle and York. 

Orderly Conduct of Lee's Army.— By invading the North, 
General Lee hoped to obtain food and supplies for his army, 
and to relieve Virginia of the drain which had nearly exhausted 
her resources. To do this, the army must take possession of the 
food, cattle, horses, and whatever was necessary, but it was only 
to be done in a regular and orderly way by the quartermasters 
and commissaries. Requisitions were made for what was taken, 
and all articles were paid for in Confederate money. By Lee's 



294 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



orders, soldiers and officers were bidden to "abstain witli most 
scrupulous care from unnecessary or wanton injury to private 
property," orders whicli were rigidly obeyed. This magnani- 




MAP OF GETTYSBUKU. 



mous conduct presents a strong contrast to that of the Federal 
armies in the South. 

Approach to Gettysburg. — Lee's second and more important 
object was to draw the Federal army out of Virginia to some 
place where it could not again take shelter at Washington from 
the injury he hoped to inflict upon it. Consternation and dread 




Lincoln's administration. ^95 

filled the North at the tidings that Lee's army was approaching 
the capital of Pennsylvania. Washington, Baltimore, Philadel- 
phia, and New York looked to see it enter their streets. The 
militia in all the adjacent States was called 
out. General Hooker was relieved, at his own 
request, and General George G. Meade was 
put in his place, with orders to meet and fight 
Lee, and at the same time to keep between him 
and Washington. 

Battle of Gettysburg. — On the morning 
of July 1st, A. P. Hill's advance struck the ^^^^^ 
head of the Federal army west of Gettysburg, geoege g. MEAbB. 
and a battle raged for six hours. The Federal forces were 
driven from the town with a heavy loss, and their commander, 
General Keynolds, was killed. Towards the close of the fight 
General Lee came up, and directed Ewell to drive the Fede- 
rals from the strong position of Cemetery Hill, to which they 
had retreated, if he could do so without bringing on a gen- 
eral engagement. Ewell delayed, awaiting the arrival of John- 
son's division ; when it arrived, late in the afternoon, the Federal 
army had been so strengthened it was thought best not to attack 
until the next morning. Two divisions of Longstreet's corps 
were only four miles away, while much of the Federal army was 
much farther off". General Lee, therefore, examined the ground 
and made his plans to drive the Federals from Cemetery Hill 
early the next morning before the rest of Meade's army came 
up. Longstreet, however, was opposed to fighting at Gettys- 
burg, and did not get ready for his part in the attack before 4 
o'clock in the afternoon, which delay gave time for the whole 
Federal army to arrive and occupy most of the heights south of 
Cemetery Hill. Sedgwick's Sixth corps, the last to arrive, got 
up at 2 P. M., after marching thirty-two miles, while Longstreet, 
who had only four miles to come, did not get into position until 
two hours later. 

Second Day's Fight. — When the battle did begin it raged 
furiously. Longstreet, on the right, drove the Federals from 



296 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

their advanced positions, and Ewell, on the left, penetrated the 
Federal line and secured a lodgment on Gulp's Hill, which he 
held during the night. Hood's Texans, who had driven Sickles 
back through the Pea6h Orchard, pushed on and swarmed 
up the rocky slope to seize the important position of Little 
Round Top. Vincent's Federal brigade, climbing up the other 
side of the hill, reached the top a moment sooner than the 
Texans, and a hand-to-hand fight for the summit took place. 
The struggle lasted a half -hour, but the Federals had the firmer 
foothold and forced the Texans back. When night came the 
Southern men had driven the Federal troops out of the valleys, 
but the latter held the crests of the hills, which they continu- 
ally made stronger. Thousands of brave men had fallen on 
both sides, and the decisive struggle was yet to be fought. 

Third Day's Fight — Pickett's Charge. — As the Federal loss 
was very heavy, General Lee hoped that by a vigorous and com- 
bined attack early on the 3d of July he might 
carry their positions. Longstreet was, there- 
fore, ordered to attack on the right, with 
Pickett's three brigades which had not yet been 
engaged, while Ewell assailed the works in his 
front at the same time, at daylight. Heth's 
^^ division, three brigades of North Carolina, Mis- 
sissippi, Alabama and Tennessee troops, and 
G. E. PICKETT. one from Virginia, all commanded by the gallant 
General Pettigrew, and supported by two of Pender's North Caro- 
lina brigades, were to attack on Pickett's left. Wilcox's Alaba- 
mians were to support him on the right. Longstreet again failed 
to move in time, and when he did move he did not attack with all 
the force that General Lee ordered. The Federal right anticipated 
Ewell's attack, and opened a heavy artillerj' fire on him at 4 A. M. 
and after four hours' fighting drove him from the position within 
their works, which he had gained the day before. The Confederate 
preparations for the battle were not completed before noon. 
Longstreet's force was to attack Cemetery Hill at a comparatively 
weak point. One hundred and fifty Confederate guns were con- 




Lincoln's administration. 297 

Centrated on the hill and opened fire at 1 P. M. The Federal 
batteries replied, and the most furious artillery engagement ever 
heard on this continent raged for more than an hour. At that 
time, the Confederate ammunition was so nearly exhausted that 
they had to cease firing, and they seemed to have beaten the 
Federal guns into silence. But when Pickett's and Pettigrew's 
divisions advanced across the open plain to charge the breast- 
works on Cemetery Hill, the Federal artillery burst forth again 
and poured a storm of shot and shell into the advancing Con- 
federates, while want of ammunition prevented the Southern 
guns from replying. Undeterred by this mur- 
derous fire, the gallant Southerners moved 
steadily forward, closed the gaps made in their 
lines by the enemy's shot, broke into a double- 
quick, drove everything before them, swarmed 
over the stone wall, leaped into the breastworks, 
and planted their flags on the very crest ofi 
Cemetery Hill. The necessary supports which 
had been ordered by General Lee were not ^- ^- hancock. 
brought up, the Federal guns concentrated upon Pickett and 
Pettigrew and drove them, shattered and bleeding, from the 
position they had so gallantly gained, after one-half their num- 
ber had been shot down. 

End of the Battle. — The repulse of this desperate charge 
ended the most bloody battle ever fought in America. Lee had 
lost 16,000 men killed and wounded, and 5,000 prisoners. He 
was so far from his base of supplies that his exhausted ammu- 
nition could not be replenished, so as to attack Meade again on 
July 4th. The Southern commander and his army, however, un- 
discouraged by their first serious repulse, hoped that General 
Meade would now attack them. But the Federal general felt in 
no condition for such attack. He had lost 23,000 men and some 
of his best officers. He knew that Lee must either fight or fall 
back, and he let things take their course. As the Southern army 
was not molested during the 4th, Lee had his dead buried and 
the wounded who were able to travel put into ambulances ; made 




298 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

provision for those who could not be moved, and v^ithdrew his 
whole force during the night. The swollen streams and muddv 
roads made the marching difficult, but the Federals did little to 
harass the retreat. 

Tlie Confederate Army Returns to Virginia.— Lee's pon- 
toon bridges over the upper Potomac had been destroyed by 
Federal cavalry, and when the Southern army reached Hagers- 
town, on July 7th, the river was too high to be forded. Defences 
had, therefore, to be thrown up in case Meade should attack. 
When the Federal army came up, on the 12th, instead of attack- 
ing at once, it fortified also. General Lee had by this time built 
a new bridge, the river had fallen so that cavalry and light 
wagons could ford it, and, on the night of July 13th and the 
forenoon of the 14th, the Southern army moved safely back to 
Virginia, and retired towards Winchester. About the end of the 
month Meade also crossed the Potomac east of the Blue Ridge, 
and Lee fell back in front of him, behind the Eapidan River. 

Effects of Gettysburg. — Lee had accomplished, for a few 
weeks, the first object he had in entering Pennsylvania, but had 
failed in the second. Not one of Jackson's successors had proved 
like him, prompt and able to carry out his great commander's 
plans, swiftly and surely. The battle of Gettysburg was a great 
success and cause of joy to the North — a crushing blow to the 
South. By it the war sj^irit at the North was kindled afresh, the 
Peace party was silenced, and the friends of the Confederacy 
were discouraged at home and abroad. 

A Campaign of Strategy. — Later in the season two Federal 
corps were detached from Meade's army, and Lee sent Longstreet 
with two divisions to reiuforce Bragg in Tennessee. It was 
principally a "campaign of strategy," in which each commander 
sought to outwit the other. On the 27th of November General 
Meade crossed the Rapidan to get between Lee and Richmond. 
Lee fell back, and for three days waited in a fortified position on 
Mine Run for Meade to attack him. There was heavy Federal 
cannonading, and Meade would have attacked, but that General 
Warren, who was appointed to make the assault, declined to 



Lincoln's ADMiNistRAtioN. 299 

Sacrifice his men in what he believed would prove a useless effort. 
The Federal army was then withdrawn in the night, a few hours 
before Lee expected to make an attack upon it. After this both 
armies went into winter quarters. 

Questions. — 1. What move was uow made by General Lee? 2. Whattown 
was taken by General Ewell, and where did he immediately go? 3. What 
objects had Lee in going into Pennsylvania ? 4. How were supplies obtained ? 
5. How did Lee's army behave ? 6. What was the feeling at the North 
about General Lee's advance into Pennsylvania ? 7. Where and when did 
the armies meet, and who was the Federal commander ? 8. Tell of the first 
day's fight at Gettysburg. 9. Of the second day's fight. 10. Tell of the third 
day's fight and of Pickett's and Pettigrew's charge. 11. Describe the end 
of the battle. 12. Which side was victorious, and what were the losses ? 
13. AVhat movement was then made by General Lee ? 14. What delayed 
his return to Virginia ? 15. When did the Federal army cross again into 
Virginia ? 16. What were the effects of the battle of Gettysburg ? 17. Of 
what sort was the next campaign ? 18. Why was there no fight at Mine 
Run ? 19. Find all the places on the map. 



CHAPTEK LV. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1863. 

Grant Against Vieksburg. — A few Federal gunboats had 
succeeded in running past Vicksburg and Port Hudson, 
but the Confederates still held the Mississippi Kiver between 
those points. All communication between the ports of the Con- 
federacy east and west of the river, and the possibility of pass- 
ing troops and animals from one side to the other, depended on 
their continuing to hold it. The defence of Vicksburg was en- 
trusted to General John C. Pemberton, and General U. S. Grant 
devoted his energies to its capture. Finding it impossible to 
attack Vicksburg on the northeast, General Grant crossed his 
men to the west side of the Mississippi, marched them seventy 
miles southward, and then brought them again to the east side 
of the river, at Bruinsburg, on April 30th. He defeated the 



300 BRlEt' HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Confederates at Port Gibson and Raymond, and moved towards 
Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. To assist in his plans, Grant 
sent a strong cavalry force under Grierson through the State to 
destroy the railroads, bridges, cars and engines, and the sup- 
plies of all kinds. 

Joseph E. Johnston to Defend Mississippi. — General Jo- 
seph E. Johnston, who commanded in Mississippi, tried to col- 
lect at Jackson a force with which to co-operate with Pember- 
ton, who was between Grant and Vicksburg, but Grierson's de- 
struction of the roads made it impossible for Southern rein- 
forcements to reach Jackson rapidly. He had only 6,000 troops 
when two Federal corps advanced on the town. Having removed 
the government property, Johnston withdrew his force to Can- 
ton. After destroying the railroads, workshops and everything 
valuable to the Southern army. Grant moved westward against 
Pemberton, who had been ordered by Johnston to concentrate 
his forces and strike Grant's rear as he moved eastward ; and to 
keep up the communications between himself and Johnston. 
When Johnston left Jackson, he ordered Pemberton to move 
northward and join him at Clinton. Instead of doing this, Pem- 
berton moved towards the south ; and when he, at last, began to 
retrace his steps, marched so slowly that Grant's scattered divis- 
ions had time to concentrate and attack him, onr May IGth, near 
Edward's Depot, and drive him, with severe loss, behind Big 
Black River. The next day, his army was still more seriously 
injured, and he drew it back within the fortifications of Vicks- 
burg. General Johnston had especially wished to prevent this. 
He knew that Pemberton's army of 34,000, if shut up in Vicks- 
burg with provisions for only a few months, must be, in time, 
destroyed or captured by General Grant's superior forces. He, 
therefore, wrote to Pemberton that if he were once surroimded 
he would be obliged to surrender, and ordered him to leave 
Vicksburg immediately and move towards the northeast. Pem- 
berton received this order, on May 18th, and had time to obey 
it; but he wrote to General Johnston that he dechned to leave 
Vicksburg. 



Lincoln's administration. 301 

Yicksblirg Besieged. — Grant's divisions quickly replaced the 
bridges over the Big Black River, which the Confederates had 
burned behind them. Sherman, McClernand and McPherson 
brought their men rapidly forward, and, on May 19th, com- 
pletely invested Vicksburg. Heavy assaults upon the Confeder- 
ate intrenchments were made by General Grant's orders on the 
19th, and again on the 22d. In both attacks the Federals were 
repulsed with such severe loss that Gi'ant thought it useless to 
renew them, and began a regular siege of the city. 

Attack from the Federal Fleet and Batteries. — Federal 
vessels on the water front, and powerful land batteries now 
joined in the siege, and hurlgd shot and shell continuously into 
the city. For Avant of ammunition, the Confederate guns rarely 
replied.^ Grant's army was reinforced until it numbered 80,000 
men. Johnston had only 25,000, and Grant fortified his rear 
so strongly that no successful attack could be made upon it. 

Famine. — Want of food soon became a powerful ally to the 
besieging army. By the last of May there were only half rations 
of bacon, and supplies of all sorts, grew rapidly less. Bacon 
was soon replaced by scanty rations of mule meat. The hungry 
soldiers had to do constant duty in the trenches. The sum- 
mer heat, starvation and want of rest combined to exhaust the 
strength of the garrison. An effort to relieve them from Arkan- 
sas failed, and their condition grew worse day by day. The 
citizens were not exposed in the trenches like the soldiers, but 
fared quite as hardly in other respects, and the courage and 
patience with which both troops and people endured their dan- 
gers and privations were wonderful ; the women allowed nothing 
to interrupt their constant ministrations to the sick and wounded. 

1 Vicksburg was so unsafe from the incessant firing, that the citizens left their 
homes and tooli shelter in caves and chambers dug in the sides of the hills. They 
fitted these up with the furniture from their homes, and were in comparative 
safety. As the siege went on, the soldiers found similar protection when not kept 
In the trenches. Messengers from General Johnston got into the town occasion- 
ally, and carried caps for firing the muskets. As the besiegers advanced their 
lines closer to the town, they dug mines to blow up the defences, hoping to effect 
an entrance throngli the breaches. The first mine was exploded on June 25th, a 
second on July 1st. The fierce assaults made on these occasions were repulsed by^ 
the hard-pressed Confederates with desperate fighting. 



302 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The End Near. — General Pemberton sent urgent requests to 
General Johnston to attack Grant and raise the siege. Johnston 
replied that their combined efiforts covdd not save Vicksburg, 
but might possibly extricate the garrison. He also informed 
Pemberton that he would attack Grant on July 7th, and urged 
the garrison to co-operate with him and try to cut its way out. 
The end came before that time. 

Vicksburg Surrendered. — General Pemberton sent General 
Grant an offer of capitulation on July 3d. Grant replied that 
he would only accept unconditional surrender. Pemberton 
agreed, and on the next day, July 4th, surrendered the town 
with 31,600 men — thousands of whom were disabled by wounds 
and disease — seventy-two cannon and 60,000 muskets. The men 
were paroled and allowed to go home.' 

The Confederacy Cut in Two. — The fall of Vicksburg oc- 
curred at the same time with Lee's defeat at Gettysburg, and 
added greatly to the Northern delight and the depression of the 
South. In consequence of it Port Hudson, the last Southern 
fortification on the Mississippi, surrendered a few days later, 
the whole of the great river was opened to Federal vessels, and 
Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were cut off from the rest of 
the Confederacy, but they proved their devotion to the princi- 
ples for which they contended by remaining steadfast to the 
Southern cause. 

Sherman at Jackson. — On his way to Vicksburg Johnston 
learned of Pemberton's surrender and fell back to Jackson. Sher- 
man, with a large force and powerful guns, moved against him, 
while another body of Federal troops marched so as to turn his 
left flank. Being too weak to hold Jackson, Johnston removed 
most of the stores and all the sick and wounded who could travel, 
and evacuated the town on the night of July 10th. General Sher- 
man did not discover Johnston's move until it was completed. 

1 The paroling took some time, and the starving Confederates were provided with 
rations by their captors. The soldiers showed them much kindness, gave them 
tobacco and food, and when, worn and weary, the gallant defenders marched out of 
their entrenchments, forebore uttering a single cheer of triumph. Much of this 
forbearance was, no doubt, due to General Grant, who directed " the commands to 
be orderly and quiet as these prisoners pass," and " to make no offensive remftrks." 



Lincoln's administration. 303 

He then took possession of Jackson and burned the government 
and raUroad buildings and nearly the whole town.^ 

The Country Wasted. — During the siege of Vicksburg, Grant 
sent Blair's division to ravage, "burn and destroy " in the region 
along the Yazoo River. Sherman now proceeded in the same 
way, "absolutely stripping the country of corn, cattle, hogs, 
sheep, poultry, everything," and throwing the growing corn 
" open as pasture fields," until the ruthless commander himself 
acknowledged that the destruction of the country was terrible 
to look upon. By July 23d, his work of destruction being com- 
pleted, Sherman moved back from Jackson to Vicksburg, and 
the Vicksburg campaign was over. 

Questions. — 1. What was the condition of affairs on the Mississippi ? 
2. What was General Grant's plan ? 3. What victories did he gain ? 4. Who 
was made Confederate commander in Mississippi ? 5. Who commanded at 
Vicksburg? 6. Wliat movements were made by General Pemberton? 7. How 
did he disobey his superior in command? 8. Describe the siege of Vicks- 
burg. 9. Tell of the attacks by land and water. 10. Describe the cave life 
of the besieged (note). 11. Tell of the famine in the city. 12. What was 
General Johnston's plan to save Pemberton's army, and why was it not car- 
ried out? 13. What happened on the 4th of July? 14. Describe the sur- 
render of Vicksburg, and the behavior of the Federal troops (note). 15. How 
did the fall of Vicksburg affect the Confederacy? 16. Tell of Sherman's 
move against Jackson, and what he did there. 17. Tell of the destruction 
wrought by him and Blair throughout the country. 18. Find on the map 
all the places mentioned. 



CHAPTER LVI. . 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1863. 

Cavalry Raids. — "We must now turn our attention to the two 
armies confronting each other in Tennessee. General Bragg's 
force was in good condition, but had done no fighting since 
Murfreesboro'. Considerable work had, however, been done by 

1 Writing of this burning, Sherman said : " We have made fine progress to-day in 
tbe -work pf destruqtion,"' and " this city is a mass of charred ruins," 



304 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

his cavalry in checking the advances and raids of the Federal 
cavalry. 

Morgan's Raid. — Early in June General Morgan, with 2,000 
cavalry, made a raid through Kentucky. He moved rapidly 
across Tennessee, capturing small garrisons as he went. On 
through Kentucky he swept, cheering his friends, frightening 
his foes, and enlisting a number of recruits. On July 8th the 
adventurous command crossed the Ohio, and, riding through 
Indiana and Ohio, defeated thousands of citizen soldiers gath- 
ered to head it off, captured towns and prisoners, destroyed 
railroads, bridges, depots and stores, and got back to the Ohio, 
seven miles from Cincinnati, on the 14:th. In these six days 
Morgan had taken and paroled G,000 prisoners, cut many rail- 
roads, destroyed some $10,000,000 worth of public property, 
and had terrified the population of two States- 

Morgan's Capture and Escape. — By this time his men and 
horses were both worn out. The governor of Ohio had called 
out the militia. The roads were all ambuscaded. The Ohio 
River was guarded by gunboats and by forces on the shore, and 
the getting out of the State was much more 
difficult than getting into it. Hundi-eds of 
Morgan's men made their way back to Ken- 
tucky, but hundreds were taken prisoners, 
among them General Morgan himself.' 
Bragg at Chattanooga. — By the middle of 
,*- June Rosecrans's army was increased to 70,000 
// ~~'*men, while Bragg's force had been weakened 
w. s. RosECRANs. by seudiug troops to Mississippi, and was only 
4-4, 000. The authorities at Washington urged Rosecrans to 
advance, and on June 23d he moved eastward to turn Bragg's 
right and cut him off from the East and from Georgia. Bragg 
fell back to Chattanooga' and threw up intrenchments. 

•He and twenty-eight of his officers were confined in the penitentiary at Colum- 
bus. Their heads were shaved, and they were subjected to other indignities. In 
November Morgan and six of his comrades made tlielr escape through a tunnel 
which they dug under the prison walls. 

2 Chattanooga is on tlio south bank of the Tennessee River, at tlio mouth of 
Chattanooga Valley, lying between the steep, rocky heights of Lookout Mountain 




Lincoln's administration. 305 

Federal Success in East Tennessee. — General Buckner was 
at Knoxville with 4,000 Confederates. General Burnside moved 
from Kentucky against him with 15,000 men, and Buckner's 
force fell back. A Confederate garrison of 2,000 at Cumberland 
Gap was captured by Burnside, and East Tennessee was again 
in possession of Federal troops. Foiled in his effort to flank 
Bragg on the right, Kosecrans now hoped to get behind him on 
the left. He crossed the Tennessee River west of Chattanooga, 
repaired the railroads as he advanced, and hoped to get into 
Georgia without serious hindrance. 

Battle of Chickamauga. — As Rosecrans moved down the 
valley west of Lookout Mountain to turn Bragg's left flank, that 
commander left Chattanooga for Chickamauga Valley to protect 
the railroad into Georgia. Rosecrans at once occupied Chatta- 
nooga and advanced against Bragg's front. General Longstreet 
had been sent from Virginia with 5,000 men to strengthen 
Bragg's army, but all of these had not reached the field when 
the battle was joined, on September 19th. In the first day's 
fight Bragg tried to get behind his enemy's left, between him 
Chattanooga, but Rosecrans's superior numbers made the effort 
unsuccessful. Both armies slept on the field. Longstreet 
came up in the night with the rest of his men, and was given 
command of the left of the Confederate army, which was, at that 
late hour, reorganized into two corps. 

Second Day's Fight. — Bragg ordered his whole line to attack 
very early on the 20th. The morning broke with a dense fog. 
Reorganizing the army in the midst of a battle caused confusion, 
and the fighting was not renewed until 10 o'clock. Longstreet's 
force drove back the Federal right where General Rosecrans was 
in person, until both right and centre fled in confusion to Chat- 
tanooga. General Thomas, who commanded the Federal left 
opposite to Lieutenant-General Polk, had greatly strengthened 
his position during the night by felling trees and throwing up 

on the west and Missionary Ridge on the east. A creek of the same name runs 
through the Valley. East of Missionary Ridge is Chickamauga Valley, through 
■which runs Chickamauga Creek. The region consists of range after range of 
mountains, with narrow valleys lying between. 

20 




306 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITKD STATES. 

earthworks. Polk's command was slow in getting into action, 
his subordinate generals did not all co-operate promptly, and 
his attack failed to overcome Thomas's stout 
resistance, and drive him also from his en- 
trenchments. In the night of the 20th, how- 
ever, Thomas fell back, leaving his dead and 
wounded on the field. 

Forces and Losses. — In the fight along 
Chickamauga Creek — " The River of Death" — 
more than 20,000 men had fallen. Bragg had 
j.c.BEECKiNRiDGE. p^t somo 50,000 men into the battle, Rose- 
crans 55,000. Including prisoners, the loss on each side was 
about 16,000. The Confederates captiared 8,000 prisoners, many 
of them wounded, fifty-one guns, 15,000 small arms, and quan- 
tities of ammunition, wagons, and hospital stores. 

Bragg After the Battle. — ^General Bragg allowed the Fed- 
eral army to withdraw without hindrance into the fortifications 
at Chattanooga and make them stronger. The Confederate 
army knew that the different Federal corps might have been 
attacked in detail before their concentration, and that the plan 
of battle on the 19th and 20th had been a poor one ; and, when 
General Bragg did nothing to follow up his victory, they lost 
confidence in him, and begged for another commander. Bragg 
threw the burden of the failure on his subordinate officers. 
Unfortunately for the South, he was retained in his position, 
notwithstanding the dissatisfaction of his army. 

New Confederate Position. — Bragg now moved to the 
heights in front of Chattanooga, established his line from the 
northern crest of Lookout Motmtain across Chattanooga Valley 
to the top of Missionary Ridge, and held the roads south of the 
river. The Confederate cavalry passed round Rosecrans's 
rear, captured his wagon trains, cut the railroads, and bid fair 
to starve him out. The Federal situation was extremely criti- 
cal. The troops in Chattanooga were suffering for food, clothing, 
and supplies of all sort, and their horses and cattle were dying 
of hunger. In' the emergency, the Federal authorities turned 



Lincoln's administration, 307 

to the men who had been successful in Mississippi. General 
Grant was ordered to take command at Chattanooga, and Sher- 
man, from Vicksburg, and Hooker, from Virginia, were hurried 
thither with their men. 

General Grant at Chattanooga. — General Grant was very 
lame from a fall, but he hastened to Chattanooga, which he 
reached on October 23 d. Rosecrans was removed and Thomas 
put in his place. Eiforts were immediately made to supi")ly am- 
munition, food and clothing to the destitute soldiers in Chatta- 
nooga. Several thousand men from the town were floated on 
pontoons past the Confederate pickets to Brown's Ferry, where 
they captured the guard on the south side of the river. Another 
force marched down the north bank of the river, and a bridge- 
was quickly laid across the ferry, over which Hooker's men 
crossed, and occupied Lookout Valley. As the Tennessee River 
was now held by the Federals from Bridgeport to Brown's 
Ferry, they brought men and provisions to the ferry, carried 
them along the north shore to a point opposite to Chattanooga, 
and then crossed them over into the town so that the wants of 
the gari'ison were soon supplied. 

Reinforcements for Grant's Army. — General Bragg at- 
tempted to prevent relief of Chattanooga by atta'cking Hooker's 
position at the mouth of Lookout Valley, on the night of Octo- 
ber 28th, but failed to dislodge him. Sherman moved on through 
North Alabama and then towards Nashville, to protect the rail- 
road to the Tennessee River. 

Bragg's Army Weakened. — While Grant's army was being 
made stronger, that of Bragg was suddenly weakened. Presi- 
dent Davis visited that army late in October. Knowing nothing 
of the movements to relieve Rosecrans in Chattanooga, Mr. Davis 
sent General Longstreet with 15,000 men and Wheeler's cavalry 
to East Tennessee, to drive Burnside from Knoxville. Grant 
learned of this movement, and determined to strike Bragg's 
force while it was in its weakened condition. When Sherman's 
corps reached Chattanooga, on November 15th, it brought up 
the army there to 80,000 men. Bragg's force was little more 



308 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

than half as many. The Federal authorities doubted whether 
Burnside could hold East Tennessee against Longstreet, and 
Grant wished to defeat Bragg at once and then move to Burn- 
side's help. 

Flanking Bragg's Position. — I told you before that Bragg 
held the north end of Lookout Mountain, the Valley between it 
and Missionary Ridge and that Ridge which he had strongly 
fortified. Grant now ordered most of his men to the north side 
of the river, marched them eastward, and then crossed them 
back to the south side where they could strike the right Hank 
of the Confederate army. Sherman and Howard made the 
movement, but Hookers corps could not cross the swollen river, 
and had to advance on the south side of it. Thomas held the 
centre at Chattanooga. 

Battle of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. — 
Hooker was ordered to cross the north end of Lookout Moun- 
tain, and to move through Chattanooga Valley and seize the 
south end of Missionary Ridge. Sherman was to seize the north 
end of the ridge and then Thomas was to attack the centre. On 
the 23d, Thomas captured the advanced Confederate position at 
Wood's Fort. The next day Sherman, who had crossed the 
river safely, seized the north end of Missionary Ridge. At the 
sajae time. Hooker's force clambered boldly up the steep ascent 
of Lookout Mountain and drove the Confederates from its north- 
ern end. The Confederates fell back across Chattanooga Creek, 
burnt the bridges, and occupied a strong position on Missionary 
Ridge, which by determined resistance they might have held. 
But either through lack of confidence in their commanders or 
from discouragement at the greatly outnumbering forces moving 
against them, the Southern troops did not in this encounter 
manifest their usual determined courage. The guns were not 
handled with spirit, and failed to check the Federal advance, 
and as Thomas's men swarmed up the mountain side, and over 
the earthworks, the Confederates gave way and retreated before 
them panic stricken. The abandoned Southern guns were seized 
by the Federals and turned upon the fleeing men. No efforts 



Lincoln's administration. 309 

availed to rally the fugitives. The whole Confederate position 
was abandoned and the defeated army wa-s rapidly withdrawn 
to Einggold and thence to Daltbn. 

Results of the Battle. — The losses in the battle were about 
6,000 on each side, but most of the Southern loss was of men 
captured without a wound ; forty guns and thousands of small 
arms were also taken by the Federal army. General Grant kept 
up a pursuit of Bragg for some days, and sent at once 20,000 
men to Burnside's aid in East Tennessee. This forced Long- 
street to abandon his fruitless siege of Knoxville, and placed 
East Tennessee once more under the control of Federal armies. 
Longstrf eo had a hard time time in the hostile, northern part of 
the State. AverilFs Federal cavalry cut the railroads in South- 
western Virginia, and Longstreet was for some time unable to 
communicate with the other Southern armies. President Davis 
was at last obliged to remove General Bragg from command of 
the Army of Tennessee, which was given to General Joseph E. 
Johnston. Both armies now went into winter quarters. 

Condition of the Armies, 1863. — The year had been very 
successful for the Northern armies, and equally disastrous to 
the South. The Federals had gained possession of the Missis- 
sippi River, had thus cut the Confederacy in two, and held much 
of Arkansas and Louisiana west of the river. They occupied 
Tennessee and northern Mississippi, and made devastating raids 
into Alabama and Georgia. The northern part of Virginia was 
overrun and desolated by them. The limits of the Confederacy 
were narrowed on all sides, and its resources were crippled and 
overtaxed. There were thousands of deserters from the South- 
ern armies, especially from those of Vicksburg and Missionary 
Ridge, where the soldiers were disheartened by their ill-success 
and the wretched condition of their families. It was impossible 
to enforce the conscription laws, and from the desertions and 
the heavy losses in the many Southern defeats, there were little 
more than 400,000 men on the Confederate rolls at the close of 
1863, and fully one-third of these were absent from the ranks. 
The Federal armies at the time numbered largely over 1,000,000. 



310 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

In this state of affairs, the North was naturally exultant and de- 
fiant, though many grieved for loved ones slain in battle, and 
many lamented the constant increase of desjiotism and the decay 
of constitutional liberty. Notwithstanding all their sufferings 
and reverses and the great disparity of numbers, the Southern 
people and the Confederate government preserved a buoyant, 
determined spirit, and hoped for ultimate success. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of cavalry raids in Tennessee. 2. Describe Morgan's 
raid through Kentucky and into Ohio. 3. Tell of his capture and escape 
(note). 4. What movements were made by Rosecrans and Bragg? 5. What 
success did the Federals meet with in East Tennessee ? 6. How is Chatta- 
nooga situated (note) ? 7. Tell of the battle of Chickamauga. 8. Describe 
the second day's fight. 9. What forces were engaged, and what losses sus- 
tained on both sides? 10. How did General Bragg behave after the battle? 
11. What new position did he take ? 12. Who was ordered to take com- 
mand of the Federal forces at Chattanooga ? 13. What movements were 
made by Grant, and what disposition did he malie of his forces? 14. Who 
came to reinforce Grant's army ? 15. How was Bragg's army weakened at 
this time? 16. Tell of Grant's effort to flank Bragg's position. 17. Describe 
the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. 18. What were the 
results of this battle? 19. Tell of Longstreet's difficulties in Tennessee? 
20. What was the condition of the country and of the army at the end of 
1863? 21. Find the places on the map. 



CHAPTER LVII. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1864. 

Victory at Olustee, 1864. — During the early months of this 
year the Confederates gained a number of successes, which 
proved that their spirit had not been cowed by their great 
defeats in 1863. At Olustee, near Ocean Pond, in Florida, Gene- 
ral Finuegan, with 2,500 of his own men and an equal number 
of Colquitt's brigade, on February 20th, met and defeated the 
Federal General Seymour at the head of about 7,000 men. 
The Confederate force captured five cannon, a number of small 
arms and 1,800 prisoners, losing only 250 men themselves. In 



Lincoln's administration. 



311 




J. p. ANDERSON. 



consequence of this victory the Federal troops were driven 
from Florida and the State was preserved to the Confederacy. 
Sherman Returns to Tieksburg. — When he had driven the 
Confederates from East Tennessee, Sherman took his command 
back to Vicksburg and prepared to move against Mobile, in Ala- 
bama, wishing, also, to destroy Meridian, Mississippi, an import- 
ant point where the principal railroads of the 
Gulf States cross each other. Grierson and 
Smith were to come from Memphis to join him. 
Sherman had at his disposal about 30,000 in- 
fantry and 10,000 cavalry. General Polk, com- 
manding the Confederate forces in Mississippi 
and Alabama, had not more than 20,000 men 
scattered through both States, with some 4,000 
cavalry. He could not prevent Sherman's ad- 
vance to Meridian, though Forrest, with about 3,000 horsemen, 
kept up constant skirmishing with the superior force of the 
enemy. 

Sherman at Meridian. — As Sherman moved towards Meri- 
dian, spreading desolation along his route, Polk moved south- 
ward to protect Mobile. Sherman occupied the town, and on 
February 16th set 10,000 men to destroying the railroads. After 
laboring at these for five days, they fired the town and nearly 
wiped it out of existence — depots, storehouses, hospitals, hotels, 
and private houses all perishing in the flames. The railroads 
and bridges were destroyed for many miles, and the corn and 
cotton either carried ofi" or burned. The Fede- 
ral cavalry under General Sooy Smith was also 
sent to destroy the railroads and devastate the 
country east of Meridian. 
Forrest's Tictories. — Forrest, who has 
.^ been called the Stonewall Jackson of the South, 
followed Smith's devastators, with 2,500 caval- 
ry, and inflicted two severe defeats upon them, 
s. D. LEE. first in the prairie country near West Point, 

Mississippi, and again at Okalona. So much damage was done 




\CH- 



312 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



them that the Federal command retreated to Memphis, leaving 
six cannon, three flags, 162 prisoners, and all their dead and 
wounded in Forrest's hands, who lost only 144 men himself. 
This defeat of his cavalry compelled Sherman to withdraw from 
Alabama to Vicksburg. 

Capture of Fort Pillow. — After this, Forrest moved agan 
into Western Tennessee, gained several successes there, and on 

April 12th captured 
and destroyed Fort 
Pillow, standing on 
a bluflf a little above 
Memphis. The fort 
was defended along 
the river front by 
gunboats, and had a 
garrison of 700 men, 500 of whom 
were negroes. Forrest invested it, 
and demanded its surrender. "When 
this was refused he assaulted the 
fort and carried the works after a 
brief resistance. The garrison fled towards the gunboats. For- 
rest had companies stationed on the flat below the bluff, on both 
sides of the fort. As the fleeing garrison rushed along the flat, 
a murderous cross-fire from the Confederate muskets mowed 
them down. The assaulting force also pursued them ; thus they 
were attacked on both flanks and in the rear, and some 500 were 
slain or drowned in trying to reach the gunboats.^ 

Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana. — After Sherman returned to 
Vicksburg from Meridian, he sent 10,000 of his men across the 
Mississippi to assist General Banks in an expedition up the 

1 The negroes who escaped told wild stories of the barbarity of Forrest's men, 
and the North waxed very indignant over tlie "Massacre at Fort Pillow." The 
truth was, that so far from murdering his wounded prisoners, Forrest tried to de- 
liver them at once to the Federal vessels, and did so next day. The Confederate 
Congress Investigated all the facts, and passed a vote of thanks to Forrest and his 
men for their brilliant and successful campaign. The slander, nevertheless, stim- 
nlated the hatred of the South among her enemies, both at the North and in 
Europe. 




CAPTDEE OF FOET PILLOW. 




Lincoln's administration. 313 

Red River, to capture Shreveport and move on into Texas. 
Banks had about 40,000 men, with gunboats and transports. 
Kirby Smith commanded the Confederate Department west of 
the Mississippi, and General Dick Taylor, son of old General 
Zachary Taylor, the forces in Louisiana. Tay- 
lor could not prevent Banks's advance, and fell 
slowly back before him. By April 8th he had 
gathered 15,000 men, whom he stationed across 
Banks's road near Mansfield, and waited to be 
attacked. When the Federals did not come 
on, Taylor made the attack himself, and by 
nightfall drove them from the field with great % 
loss. Guns, wagons, small arms were captured, Richard taylor. 
and prisoners by thousands. At Pleasant Hill, the retreating 
army made a stand, and checked the advance of their pursuers, 
though they suffered more loss than they inflicted. 

Banks Retreats to New Orleans. — Banks now fell back to 
New Orleans, laying waste the whole country in revenge for his 
disasters. His troops were described as marching "with a 
torch in their right hand, plunder in their left, and their arms 
on their backs." By the time he got to New Orleans he had 
lost 8,000 killed and wounded, 6,000 prisoners, thii-ty-five can- 
non, 1,200 wagons and 20,000 stand of small arms. 

Kilpatrick's Raid. — Before the campaign opened in Vir- 
ginia, Kilpatrick, with 4,000 cavalry, made a raid round Lee's 
lines to destroy the railroads between him and Richmond. They 
were then to make a dash into Richmond, set the Federal prison- 
ers there free, and do as much damage as possible. The plan 
was frustrated by the stout resistance of citizen soldiers, by 
high waters, bad roads and ignorance of the country.* 

Grant Made Commander-in-Chief. — In March, General U. S. 

1 Part of the command, which became separated from the main body, was attacked 
by a small force of home guards, and its leader. Colonel Ulric Dahlgren.was 
killed. In Dahlgren's pocket was found an address to his officers and men ex- 
horting them to free the prisoners in Richmond ; to burn the city ; to kill Jefff rson 
Davis and his Cabinet ; and to commit other horrible deeds. This paper was signed 
with Dahlgren's name, but the United States government and General Meade de- 
nied that any such orders had been given him. 



314 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Grant was brought to Washington and made Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral and head of all the United States forces, and thus was sec- 
ond only to the President. Sherman was, at the same time, 
given the chief command from the Alleghany Mountains to the 
Mississippi, and McPherson was put in Sherman's place at the 
head of the Army of Tennessee. 

Grant's Plan. — The only two Southern armies of any strength 
now in the field were Lee's force on the Kapidan, and Johnston's 




GENERAL TJ. S. GRANT. 

at Dalton, Georgia. Grant determined to strike both at once. 
He ordered Sherman to move against Johnston, and break up 
his army, and then to march on through the Southeastern States, 
destroying as he went everything which could help the Confed- 
ates to carry on the war. Banks was to prevent reinforcements 
going to Johnston, by moving towards Mobile and destroying 
the railroads in Alabama. 



Lincoln's administration. 319 

Force Against Richmond. — Grant took his own place with 
Meade's army in Virginia. He had all the resources of the Fed- 
eral government at his disposal, and no one murmured at any- 
thing he ordered. There were 125,000 men and 325 cannon on 
the north bank of the Kapidan. Sigel with a considerable 
force was to move up the Valley of Virginia and cut oif supplies 
for Lee. Butler was directed to come with his 30,000 men from 
Fortress Monroe towards Richmond, to co-operate with Meade. 
Lee had only 62,000 men and 224 guns with which to meet the 
great hosts coming against him. 

Lee's Movements. — Grant's army crossed the Rapidan on 
May 4th, expecting to turn Lee's right flank. Lee, however, 
intercepted the Federal movement, but ordered Ewell and HiU 
who led the advance, to avoid a general engagement until the 
rest of the troops came up. Longstreet, who had gotten back 
from Tennessee, was at Gordonsville with two divisions, twenty 
iniles away. 

Battles of the Wilderness. — Both armies now plunged into 
the Wilderness country, covered with a thick, tangled under- 
growth, and crossed by a few narrow bad roads. The Federal 
generals knew little about it, and had no idea that Lee's force 
was within a few miles of them. The Confederate advance 
under Ewell, and the Federals under Warren, came into coUis- 
ion, on the morning of May 5th, and the woods were soon full 
of fighting. Warren at first gained ground, but was then 
driven back and lost 3.000 prisoners; while two of Hill's divis- 
ions (Heth and Wilcox) repulsed Hancock's repeated assaults. 
Both sides slept on their arms ready for the deadly work of the 
next morning. 

Lee to the Rear. — It was a terrible place for a battle. Owing 
to the dense growth, one could see only a few yards away. To 
mancBuvre was impossible. Cavalry and artillery were nearly 
useless, and the infantry had to fight almost hand-to-hand. 
General Grant ordered his whole line to attack at 5 o'clock, on 
the morning of the 6th. Lee wished to attack also, but Long- 
steet's force and Hill's third division had not come up. Han- 




316 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

cock's 40,000 men fell upon Hill and drove the centre and right 
back in confusion. Just then Longstreet's troops arrived, and, 
in their turn, attacked Hancock and drove him back to his breast- 
works.^ 

End of the Battle. — Unfortunately, General Longstreet 
was severely wounded and unable to carry out his plans, and a 
second attack ui^on Hancock failed to drive him 
from his position. But when night came, the 
balance of success was on the Confederate side. 
Gordon, on Lee's left, had done much damage 
to Sedgwick. Hancock's attack on the right 
and Burnside's in the centre, had both failed, 
. and Warren on the left had met with heavy loss. 
In the two days' fighting, Grant had lost 17,666 
N. G. EVANS. men, Lee about half that number. The dead 
and wounded lay everywhere among the tangled growth, and, 
as the woods took fire from shot and shell, many of them per- 
ished in the flames. 

The Race for Spotsylvania. — Both armies watched each 
other all day of the 7th. In the night Grant intended to slip 
by Lee's right, but Lee had ordered Anderson to march to 
Spotsylvania Courthouse at 3 o'clock in the morning. Ander- 
son moved at 11 and won the " Race for Spotsylvania," getting 
there in time to assist Stuart's cavalry in heading off Grant's 
advance. The Southerners thus had possession of the roads, 
and the choice of position. Both armies threw up strong lines of 
earthworks very near each other. 

The Bloody Angle.— From the 8th to the 20th of ^lay, 
heavy assaults were made on Lee's lines. Early on the morning 
of the 12th, a projecting point in the Confederate earthworks 
was seized, and two generals, 3,000 men and twenty -four guns 

lit was here that General Lee met some of Longstreet's force coming forward at 
a double-quick. He saw that they were Texans; called out, "Hurrah for Texas I 
Hurrah for Texas!" and rode to their front with the order " Charge! " The sol- 
diers, fearing lest their beloved commander might be shot, cried " Lee to the rear." 
A gray-haired sergeant seized his bridle, and said : " General Lee, If you do not go 
back, we will not go forward." The general yielded to this appeal, and the gallant 
Texftns swept on, changing the face of the battle. 



Lincoln's administration. 317 

were captured. Lee's men rallied to the point, while the Fed- 
eral troops poured in by thousands. Unable to drive them out, 
the Southerners slew so many of them that the space within 
the salient was known as the "Bloody Angle." The Federals 
could not penetrate the second line of defences, though the 
deadly struggle continued until far into the night. In one of 
the hottest moments. General Lee was again prevented by the 
cries of his men, from leading a column into action. Stout oak 
trees were cut down by musket balls during this fight. 

Grant's Losses. — Other attacks, on the 18th and 19th, failed 
to drive the Southern army an inch. At Spotsylvania, Grant 
had lost 18,399 men, making almost 40,000 since the campaign 
opened — nearly two-thirds of Lee's whole force. Grant knew, 
however, that though Lee's loss was much less than his own, 
he could, by a similar process, destroy Lee's entire army and 
keep his own ranks full. He had already received 35,000 rein- 
forcements, and could get all he called for. 

Move Towards Richmond. — On the night of May 20th the 
Federal army made another flank movement to the North Anna 
River, but Lee was again too quick for it. This sidling process 
was continued for ten days. Gfrant found Lee in his front at 
each point which he hoped to seize, and when, on the 31st, he 
reached McClellan's former position at Cold Harbor, the Con- 
federates were there before him, behind strong fortifications. 

Stnart Killed at Yellow Tavern. — A grievous loss had in 
the meantime befallen the Southern cause. Sheridan, with 
10,000 Federal cavalry, had ridden towards Richmond to cut Lee's 
communications. Stuart followed him with less than 4,000 
men. A fierce but unequal fight between them took place at 
Yellow Tavern, six miles from Richmond, on May 9th, in which 
Stuart received a mortal wound, from which he died the next 
day. Stuart was the finest cavalry officer America ever pro- 
duced, and his loss to the Confederate cause was almost as 
great as that of Stonewall Jackson. 

Sigel and Butler Defeated. — Sigel, of whose expected ad- 
vance up the Valley I have told you, had been defeated at New 



318 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Market, on May 15th, by Breckinridge. The Federal force 
numbered 6,500 men. That of the Confederates not quite so 
many. In Breckinridge's army the battalion of boys from the 
Virginia Military Institute fought like veterans, and lost some 
fifty of their number killed and wounded. If Butler from 
Fortress Monroe had been prompt, he could have seized Peters- 
burg, and so have changed the condition of affairs, but he 
moved slowly, and was, on May 16th, attacked by Beauregard 
with not half as many men, and shut up in the neck of land be- 
tween the James and Appomattox rivers. Thus " bottled up," 
he could make no use of his 30,000 men. Twelve thousand five 
hundred of them were afterwards carried across the James to 
Grant's army before Richmond. 

Second Cold Harbor. — Grant had now 113,000 men. Lee, 
also, had been reinforced till his army again numbered 60,000. 
On the morning of June 3d Grant threw his men on Lee's works 
in a tremendous assault. They advanced in double lines six 
miles long, but could accomplish nothing. Lee's men, behind 
their breastworks, received little injury, and slew their assail- 
ants by thousands. Twelve thousand seven hundred and thirty- 
seven of them fell in less than a half-hour, and when Grant 
ordered a second attack the soldiers refused to move forward. 
The officers saw that there was no hope of success, and at mid- 
day offensive operations were suspended. 

Losses. — Grant had 192,000 men in the field during the month 
of this campaign, and had lost 60,000 of them in getting to the 
place where McClellan had been two years before. Lee, with all 
his possible reinforcements, had only 78,400 men from the Wil- 
derness to Cold Harbor. His loss is nowhere exactly stated, 
but it is estimated at 20,000. 

Hunter's March Up the A^aHey. — General David Hunter, 
one of the few Virginians in arms against the State, succeeded 
to Sigel's command after the battle of New Market. With 
10,000 men, he routed the small forces opposed to him, advanced 
up the Valley of Virginia, plundering, burning and destroying 
as he went. Ai Staunton he was joined by Crook and Averill, 



Lincoln's administration. 319 

with whom he proceeded to Lexington and Lynchburg. Much 
of the force were 1 00-day s' men, who stole and burned better 
than they fought. At Lexington Hunter burned the barracks 
and professors' houses of the Military Institute and Governor 
Letcher's house. At Lynchburg he was met by Breckinridge 
and Early, with 10,000 men from Lee's army. After some little 
fighting, the Federals retreated rapidly to the Kanawha Valley. 
Sheridan, who was sent with 10,000 cavalry to cut the railroads 
and join Hunter at Lynchburg, was so severely handled at Tre- 
villian's by Hampton, with 4,000 Confederate cavalry, that he at 
once returned to Grant's army. 

Questions. — 1. What victory was gained in Florida by the Confederate 
forces in 1864? 2. What movement was Sherman preparing to make? 
3. How many men did he have ? 4. Tell of Sherman at Meridian. 5. What 
victories were won by Forrest ? 6. Describe the capture of Fort Pillow. 
7. With what force did Banks advance into Louisiana ? 8. Tell of Gen- 
eral Taylor's success at Mansfield. 9. Of Banks's retreat to New Orleans 
and of his losses. 10. What raid was Kilpatrick sent on? 11. What of 
Dahlgren's share in it (note) ? 12. Who was now made commander-in-chief 
of the Federal forces ? 13. What was Grant's plan ? 14. What forces were 
to move against Richmond ? 15. What were General Lee's movements ? 
16. Describe the battles of the Wilderness. 17. Tell the story of Lee to 
the rear (note). 18. How did the battle end? 19. Who won " The race 
for Spotsylvania " ? 20. Tell of the terrible fighting at the " Bloody An- 
gle." 21. What were Grant's losses in these battles? 22. What move- 
ment did Grant now make towards Richmond ? 23. What gallant general 
was killed at Yellow Tavern ? 24. When and where was Sigel defeated? 
25. What became of Butler ? 26. Tell of the second battle of Cold Har- 
bor. 27. What losses had been sustained on both sides? 28. Describe 
Hunter's march through the Valley. 29. What happened at Trevillian's? 
30. Find all the places on the map. 



CHAPTEK LVin. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1864. 

The Armies in Georgia. — As Grant had ordered, Sherman 
moved against Dalton, on May -Ith, with nearly 100,000 weU 



320 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



equipped men. Johnston had some 40,000 poorly provided sol- 
diers, and was afterwards joined by 19,000 more under Lieu- 
tenant- General Polk. Sherman's object was to destroy John- 
ston's army and reach Atlanta, Georgia. The great superiority 
of the Federals made it impossible for Johnston to maintain au 



^CAPOF 

ATLANTA- 

AND VICINITY. 




advanced position, much less to move forward, as he was urged 
to do from Richmond. 

Contiuued Flanking Movements.— The mountainous, rough 
country afforded so many strong positions for defence that Sher- 
man adopted the tactics of continually flanking the Southern 
army, instead of attacking it in its fortifications. He had so 
many men that he could threaten Johnston's front with a large 
force, while other corps were moving to get behind him. In 
this manner, the Confederate army was forced to fall back from 
Dalton to one strong position after another, Sherman always 



Lincoln's administration. 321 

* 
moving round its left flank. There were constant skirmishes, 

and several severe encounters, and raiding parties harassed the 
country. 

Fighting at New Hope Church. — Near New Hope Church, 
Johnston made a determined stand, in defence of the important 
railroad station at Alatoona. For several days the powerful at- 
tacks of Hooker's and Howell's corps were successfully repulsed, 
but the flanking process was renewed, and first Alatoona and then 
Marietta were given up as the Confederates fell slowly back. 

Death of General Polk. — On June 14th, General Polk was 
killed by a cannon ball, as he was watching the Federal advance 
from the top of Pine Knob.' 

Sherman's Continual Advance. — As Sherman continued to 
move forward by his right flank, Johnston was again compelled 
to fall back to protect his rear. Again and again the Confede- 
rate army repulsed heavy attacks and inflicted severe loss on its 
assailants. But, though they could check and foil Sherman oc- 
casionally, they could not prevent his perpetual advance towards 
Atlanta. The Southern soldiers were worn out by constant 
marching over the rough roads, heavy with mud, and by unre- 
lieved exposure in the trenches. They were naturally still more 
disheartened by the long continued retreat, the causes and 
strategy of which many did not understand, and under this dis- 
couragement many deserted the hardly pressed army, but on the 
whole the spirit of the army improved even though retreating. 

Hood Put in Command. — From point to point the Confed- 
erates drew back, until they were beyond the Chattahoochee 

iThis brave, good man was a great loss to his men and the whole South. During 
all the hard marching and fighting of the campaign he had been most earnest in 
tlie discharge of his religious duties. The first night after joining General John- 
ston, the Bishop General baptized General Hood in his tent at midnight, and a few 
evenings later baptized General Johnston also. Johnston knelt to receive the sacred 
ordinance, Hood was on crutcnes and was obliged to stand. The Sunday before his 
death, Bishop Polk had assembled his staff and read the Episcopal service to them 
and all who could get within hearing distance. Four religious tracts were found 
in his pocket, soaked with his heart's blood, three of them directed in his hand- 
writing to Generals Johnston, Hardee and Hood. His remains lie in St. Paul's 
Church, in Augusta; and all who knew him testified that be vas a noble, pure, 
sincere, Christian man. 

21 



322 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

River, very near the fortifications arovind Atlanta. Sherman was 
close in their front, having repaired the raih-oads and bridges 
behind him, so that supplies and reinforcements could easily 
reach him. Just at this time, when Johnston was in a more 
favorable condition for fighting than he had been before, the 
authorities in Richmond, not understanding his difficulties, re- 
lieved him from command of the army, and entrusted it to Gen- 
eral Hood. Events soon proved that the change was not a for- 
tunate one for the South. 

Attack and Defeat. — Sherman now surrounded Atlanta as 
far as 2)ossible, sending McPherson eastward to destroy the 
railroads and seize Decatur. General Hood had been put at the 
head of the Confederate army expressly to fight. On July 20th, 
he made a strong attack on the Federal lines, and for a time car- 
ried everything before him. But Hooker's corps came quickly 
to the aid of their comrades, and, after a half -hour of fierce com- 
bat, the Confederates were driven back to their intrenchments, 
leaving several thousand killed and wounded in their enemy's 
hands. On the 22nd, Hood again attacked McPherson's com- 
mand on the southeast of Atlanta, Avhile Wheeler operated in 
McPherson's rear. Again the Southern soldiers gained a bril- 
liant temporary success. General McPherson and numbers of 
his men were killed, but, as before, the Confederates experi- 
enced such heavy loss that they had again to 
fall back. Hood then drew his army into the 
fortifications of Atlanta and the siege of the 
city began. 

Atlanta Besieged. — Intrenching himself 
strongly, Sherman again pressed on by the 
Confederate left, and sent out cavalry expedi- 
tions to destroy the railroads east and south 
HowEM^ COBB. qJ Atlanta. Some of these were severely hand- 
led by the Southern cavalry. An expedition of 5,000 Federal 
horsemen under General Stoneman, which set out to release the 
Northern prisoners at Macon, was utterly defeated, and Stone- 
man, with 1,000 men ciRtl some cannon, was captured. Hood 




LINCOLN^S ADMINISTRATION. 323 

made other attacks upon the Federal lines, with no better suc^ 
cess than before. 

Atlanta Evacuated. — For nearly a month longer the siege 
lasted, with occasional shelling, a gradual contraction of the 
Federal lines, and much damage to the railroads by Sherman's 
cavah-y. Wheeler retaliated by breaking the railroad in Sher- 
man's rear and capturing his supplies. At length Sherman 
moved his whole force west and south of the city. Hood's com- 
munications were hopelessly injured, and to save his army from 
the fate of Vicksburg he was compelled to evacuate Atlanta. 
What supplies he could not take away were destroyed. Maga- 
zines and ordnance stores were exploded, and the Southern 
army left the city in the night of September 1st. 

Slierman in Atlanta. — General Sherman at once occupied 
Atlanta, put his men in camp for a needed rest, and repaired 
his communications northward. On the city he laid a relentless 
hand. All the residents, however helpless or feeble, were driven 
from their homes. The depots, factories and principal build- 
ings were destroyed, and all the surrounding country laid waste. 
The capture of Atlanta, with the railroads centering there, was 
a gxeat blow to the South, as it cut off most valuable supplies 
from the people and the armies. The North, which had been 
much depressed by Grant's failure to take Richmond, was filled 
with exultation at Sherman's success. Admiral Farragut had, 
in the meantime, taken possession of Mobile Bay, and the thanks 
of the United States were publicly given to both Sherman and 
himself, with salutes of 100 guns in honor of their victories at 
all the Federal arsenals and navy-yards.^ 

i:Frpm Dalton to the occupation of Atlanta the Federal army lost, from battle 
£tp<j disease, 47 ,245 men; the Confederates about 23,000. When Lee invaded Penn- 
sylvania Mr. Lincoln had called out 300.000 men for six months, and three months 
afterwards he called for 300,000 volunteers for three years, or till the close of the 
war. In this year, 1864, a draft of 600,000 men was ordered for March 10th another 
for the regular army and navy on March 14th, and again, on July 18th, President 
Lincoln called for 500,000 more men for one year, to be drafted if they did not vol- 
unteer before September 5th. This was 1,200,000 in nine months. To avoid the 
drafting, the Northern States and cities offered very large bounties to all who 
would volunteer. Only half of the 500,000 called for in July were raised, and Mr. 
Lincoln, on December 19th, ordered a draft of 300,000 more, if they did not volun- 
teer. In 1864 there were not more than 250,000 Confederate soldiers in the field. 
everjwhiere. 



324 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Hood Advances into Tennessee. — 'VMiile Sherman was rest- 
ing in Atlanta, Hood moved off on a rash expedition into Ten- 
nessee. He hoped that by getting into Sherman's rear, and de- 
stroying his communications, he could force him to abandon 
Georgia. Hood's army. 40,000 strong, crossed the Chattahoo- 
chee, on Sej^tember 29th, and took nearly the same route by 
which Johnston had retreated. They captured the smaller de- 
pots and garrisons, but passed round the larger ones, and broke 
up the railroad as they moved northward. The onlj' hope for 
any success to this forward movement was in rapid advance, but 
before reaching Chattanooga, Hood turned his course southwest 
to Gadsden, Alabama, where Wheeler's cavalry joined him. His 
first intention had been to cross the Tennessee river at Bridge- 
port, and he expected Forrest to join him there. Instead of 
pushing north again into Tennessee, however. Hood continued 
slowly westward to Florence, Alabama, and sent orders to For- 
rest to report to him there. 

Forrest's Successes in Tennessee, Mississippi and Ala- 
bama. — During the spring and summer, this gallant cavalry 
leader had greatly injured the Federal cavalry and communica- 
tions in Western Tennessee, Northern Mississippi and Alabama. 
On Tishomingo Creek, in Mississippi, on June 10th, with 3,500 
men he defeated 10,000 Federal troops, destroyed and captured 
more than 2,000 of them, with eighteen guns, quantities of arms, 
and all their baggage and supplies. His own loss was 493. 
Other brilliant exploits followed, all intended to destroy Sher- 
man's communications and supplies. He was engaged in de- 
stroying gunboats and transports on the Tennessee river when 
Hood's summons reached him. 

Sherman's Plans Against Hood.— As soon as Sherman 
learned that Hood had gone oif towards Tennessee, he sent 
Thomas to Nashville to defend the State. He himself followed 
Hood with most of his army, until the Southern army moved 
westward from Gadsden to Florence. He then sent the Fourth 
and Twenty-third Federal army corps forward to Thomas, re- 
turned himself to Atlanta with the rest of his troops, and pre- 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



325 




CLEBURNE. 



pared to marcli to Savannah across the State which Hood had 
left entirely at his mercy. 

Battle of Franklin. — Hood's long delays gave Thomas time 
to mature his plans, repair the railroads and collect about 60,000 
men to oppose him. When he at length advanced into Middle 
Tennessee with 35,000 men, the Federal army fell back before 
him from place to place. On November 30th, Hood attacked 
the fortifications at Franklin, which General 
Schofield had been ordered to hold. By severe 
fighting the outer lines were carried, and the 
Confederates were ordered to take the inner 
fortifications at daylight the next morning, 
but Schofield retreated in the night, leaving his 
dead and wounded behind him. The victory 
was dearly bought with the loss of 6,000 men 
and five generals, among them the gallant 
General Cleburne. The Federal loss was about 3,500. On 
December 2nd, Hood took position in front of Nashville and 
sent a division of infantry and Forrest's cavalry against Mur- 
freesboro'. The infantry behaved badly, and the expedition 
failed. 

Battle of Nashville. — All was quiet at Nashville until Decem- 
ber 15th, when the Federal army attacked the Confederates and 
seized their defences on the left. After con- 
siderable fighting the next day, the Federals 
again broke through the Confederate lines. In 
a few moments the entire line gave way, and 
the troops retreated in great confusion towards 
Franklin. No efforts of their ofiicers could 
induce them to make a stand, although the 
number of killed and wounded was small. 
Fifty-four cannon were abandoned in their rapid 
retreat, which did not slacken until the whole Southern army 
recrossed the Tennessee at Bridgeport, on December 29th. 
Thomas made a vigorous pursuit, but Forrest, with the rear 
guard, courageously held him in check. 




B. F. CHEATHAM. 



S26 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Results of the Expedition. — In this disastrous campaign 
Hood lost some 27,000 men, killed, wounded, prisoners, and 
deserters, and seventy-two guns. The Federals, perhaps, half 
as many. But the South lost far more than men and arms. All 
hope of recovering and maintaining independence in Kentucky, 
Tennessee, Mississippi, and the States west of them was de- 
stroyed. It was a crushing, dispiriting blow to the South, 
while the Northern Congress passed a vote of thanks to Thomas 
and his men for their important victory. 

QuBStioNS. — 1. — What two armies were in Georgia? 2. What sort of 
movements were made by each army ? 3. Tell of the fight at New Hope 
church. 4. Relate the circumstances of General Polk's death. 5. How 
had his last days been spent (note) ? 6. Tell of the marching of the two 
armies. 7. Who was put in command of the Southern army in Johnston's 
place? 8. What attacks did Hood make, and with what success? 9. 
Tell of the siege of Atlanta, and of Stoneman's defeat. 10. Describe the , 
evacuation of Atlanta. 11. How did Sherman treat the residents of the; 
city ? 12. Of what bay had Admiral Farragut taken possession ? 13. 
What numbers were engaged on both sides in this campaign (note)? 14.. 
Where did Hood now go, and why? 15. Where did he first go ? 16. TeU' 
of General Forrest's successes in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, 
17, Who was sent against Hood ? 18. Tell of the battle of Franklin. 19. 
Of the battle of Nashville. 20. What were the results of this expedition ? 
21. Look out the places on the map 



CHAPTER LIX. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1864. 

Attack on Petersburg. — When General Grant's assault on 
the Confederate lines at Cold Harbor failed, on June 3d, he 
determined to move to the south side of James River. He 
began the crossing on June 14th, hoping to seize Petersburg 
and cut Richmond off from all communication with the South. 
General Beauregard had sent nearly all his men to assist in the 
defence of Richmond, and had only 2,200, mostly militia, to 
defend Petersburg. General " Baldy " Smith moved against the 



Lincoln's administration. 327 

city, on the 15th, with 18,000 men, but the Confederate cannon 
were so well sei'ved he thought there must be a large infantry 
force behind them. He did capture some of the earthworks. 
Hancock came up, and together they might have overrun the 
whole place, but they waited till next day. 

Beaiirej^ard Reinforced. — As soon as Lee was sure that 
Grant was really moving to Petersburg, he sent reinforcements 
to Beauregard. That general drew in the forces opposite to 
Butler and Hoke's division from Drewry's Bluff. These had 
just gotten into position behind a second line of breastworks, 
when Meade and Hancock attacked them, on the 16th. Lee's 
men had to move on the longer line, and so Grant's forces got 
up first. On the 17th and 18th tremendous assaults failed to 
dislodge the Confederates from their defences. For the first 
three days Beauregard, with 10,000 men, had held back the 
risi^ailants, four times as many, and had destroyed as many of 
them as his whole force. By the evening of the 18th most of 
Lee's men had come up. Lee and Grant both witnessed the 
final efforts of the Federals, and Grant decided to stop fighting 
awhile and fortify his position. 

IiitreJicliments. — Grant intended to extend his entrench- 
ments northward and then westward; to make them impregna- 
ble with all the devices of military engineering ; to seize all the 
railroads, and shut up Lee's army around Petersburg as with a 
wall of steel. Lee also exercised all skill to build his defences 
as powerfully as his resources permitted. 

Lee's Difficult Task. — The task before Lee was immense. 
Thirty-five miles of intrenchments around Richmond and Peters- 
burg had to be defended by an army not half as numerous as the 
besiegers, who could be doubled and trebled at Mr. Lincoln's 
order. At the South the conscriptions had called out all the 
males between seventeen and forty-five, "robbing," as Grant 
said, " both the cradle and the grave." These conscriptions 
could not be enforced, and, as the limits of the Confederacy 
were constantly more restricted, there was small prospect of 
any increase in Lee's army. The question of supplies "was evea 



328 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

more difficult. Food and forage became scarcer daily. A pound 
of flour and a quarter of a pound of meat was all that could be 
given to each soldier. Officers had to divide this scanty ration 
with their servants. The clothing was as poor as the food. 
Neither the sympathy nor anxiety of the people could provide 
proper care and comfort for the sick and wounded ; and the 
families at home suffered almost as much as the army in the 
field. There was little to buy, and no money to pay for anything. 
Sixty Confederate dollars were worth only one silver dollar. 

Supplies at the North. — At the North soldiers, provisions, 
clothing and arms of the best quality were to be had without 
stint. The confidence of the nation in General Grant was so 
great that it did not murmur at either the money or the lives 
sacrificed in carrying out his plans. 

Mahone's Attack. — The anxiety of the Southern leaders, and 
the privations of their men did not damp the courage of either. 
On June 22d Mahone led a force of Confederates through a 
ravine, which hid their movements, against the extension of the 
Federal left. They planted their artillery in an effective posi- 
tion, charged with a fierce yell through the pine thickets, and 
took the Federal column by complete surprise. The Federal 
advance retreated in dismay. One division after another went 
down, and Gibbon's entrenchments were quickly carried. The 
attacking force returned to their lines carrying 2,000 prisoners, 
four cannon, eight flags and a quantity of small arms. 

Beanis's Station. — A raid made the same day by Wilson and 
Kautz, with 6,000 cavalry, to destroy the railroads towards the 
South came to grief. They were harassed and hindered by W. 
H. F. Lee's small body of cavalry, and by the local militia, and 
were driven all day by Hampton's cavalry. Trying to make his 
way back to his friends, Wilson was met at Reams's Station by 
Mahone's infantry and Pegram's artillery, while Fitz Lee's horse- 
men attacked his rear ; he was utterly routed, with a loss of 
1,000 prisoners, twelve guns and a number of wagons.' 

> These and other checks to their arms In Virginia, so depressed the Northern 
people »Dd soldiers, that the Federal Congress asked Mr. L4nooln to appoint a day 



Lincoln's administration. 329 

Digging a Mine. — The hostile entrenchments were very close 
together, and the besieging guns threw shells constantly into 
the defences and the city itself, which burst in the streets, 
dwellings and churches. As he could not carry the Confederate 
works by assault. General Grant had a mine dug under them, 
hoping to enter them through the breach caused when it explo- 
ded. Four days before this mine was sprung Grant began 
crossing his men back north of the James River. Lee knew 
when and where the mine was dug, but could not be certain 
when it would be exploded. He could not know what Grant's 
move to the north side meant, and had to carry some of his force 
over, also, to check any advance upon Richmond. As soon as 
the Confederates were over the river, Hancock was moved back 
to Petersburg in the night of July 29th General Lee had re- 
tained only 13,000 men in the trenches, and General Grant 
hoped that when the mine was sprung, early on the 30th, his 
60,000 troops could seize Petersburg. 

The Mine Exploded. — General Lee had caused a strong line 
of defence to be made in rear of the mine, and cannon and 
mortars were ready a pour a heavy cross-fire on the position. 
The explosion took place very early in the morning, with a deaf- 
ening roar and a mighty upheaval of earth high in the air. As 
this mass fell it burst asunder and scattered stones, timbers, 
weapons, and mutilated corpses everywhere round. The breach 
in the Confederate lines was 135 feet long, ninety feet wide, 
and thirty feet deep ; 250 South Carolinians and twenty-two 
Petersburg artillerymen were buried beneath the ruins. For a 
moment the troops near the mine were stupified by the shock. 
Farther off no one could guess what was the matter. 

Fight at the Crater. — It had been intended that a negro 
division of Burnside's corps should lead the Federal assault, 

of humiliation and prayer for the success of the Federal armies. This he did for 
July 7th. In the changing fortunes of the South, Mr. Davis had repeatedly called 
upon the Southern people to humble themselves and ask for God's help in reverses, 
and to return thanks when delivered from threatening destruction. The North 
had also had public thanksgivings after Shiloh, Gettysburg and Vicksburg, but this 
was the only time that public prayer was thought necessary by them. 



S30 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



but white troops were suhstituted instead. They, aisa, were 
too much alarmed by the explosion to advance at once. \Mien 
they did clamber ovef their own breastworks, and the debris 
beyond, they found themselves on the edge of an enormous 
hole or crater, piled with upheaved ruins. The Confederate 






If- ' > 



^.. 







"%Ni^ 



^T% 



'^ 






s 




THE MINK EXPLODED. 



cannon and mortars opened upon them, and their only safety 
was to plunge into the hole. The fire poured into them jDre- 
vented their climbing out and occupying the open space beyond. 
General Lee's men hurried up, and the resistance became 
stronger every moment. Again and again an advance of the 
Federal troops was driven back. The Crater became crowded, 



Lincoln's administration. 331 

the iieat of the sun was intense, and the Confederate fire more 
and more galling. 

Negro Soldiers. — A\Tien Burnside's white troops had been 
thus exposed and shot for two hours, he ordered up his negro 
soldiers. They passed round the side of the Crater and moved 
forward. But they could not face the deadly fire which met 
them, and broke and ran for their lives, some into the Crater,, 
some to the refuge of their own lines. Two other attempts were 
made to press the white troops forward. In one of these part, 
of the Confederate lines were taken and held, until Lee's men 
got into proper position and drove their assailants from all th© 
points they had seized. 

Surrender of Federals — Losses. — All this time the men 
huddled in the Crater were being slaughtered by shot and shell. 
Those who were left alive raised the white flag of surrender, 
just as their comrades were sent flying to their trenches. The 
scene, where the dead and mangled were piled up in the Crater 
beneath the burning sun, was ghastly beyond description.' 

Early Sent into Maryland. — General Lee now made an- 
other offensive move to cause the withdrawal of part of Grant's 
forces. General Early was ordered to take his 10,000 men from 
Lynchburg to Staunton. If he found the way open, he was then 
to hasten northward, drive the Federals out of the lower Valley, 
cross into Maryland, and threaten Washington, which might en- 
sure reinforcements being summoned to defend that city. Early 
obeyed Lee's directions, and moved as fast as possible over the 
mountains and down the Valley, the cavalry, under Bradley T. 
Johnson and McCausland, pressing on in front. On July 6th, 
he crossed the Potomac at Shepherdstown, after driving Sigei 
and several thousand men into the defences at Harper's Ferry. 

Battle of Monoeacy Bridge. — Retracing very much the road 
over which Lee and McClellan had come to Sharpsburg, Early 

1 This horrible affair cost the Federals about 4,000 men, the Confederates ah<nit a=! 
many hundreds. That 13,000 men should thus turn a skillful plan supported by 
50,000 soldiers into a great disaster, shows bow the courage and ability of the 
Southern generals and their troops remained unshaken after so many months of 
privation and battle. 



332 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

moved on eastward. At Monocacy Bridge, on July 9th, he had 
a sharp fight with some 7,000 Federal troops, under Lew Wal- 
lace, who was defeated with a loss of some 2,000 men. 

Early Before Washington. — Early then hurried on towards 
Washington, the fortifications of which he approached on the 
11th. But his troops had marched thirty miles the day before 
and were too much exhausted by heat and dust, long marching 
and fighting to undertake an immediate attack. Had the men 
been in tolerable condition, they might have entered the outer 
line of defences, but they could not have held them. Their pre- 
sence in Maryland had produced great anxiety throughout the 
North. Their numbers were exaggerated to 30,000 or 40,000, 
and large bodies of troops were hurried to the defence of the 
Federal capital. Ten thousand regulars and other forces were 
already on the ground, and the ten thousand Confederates could 
effect nothing against them and the thousands coming to their 
aid. Early, therefore, after threatening the city for a day and 
repulsing an attack, withdrew and crossed back into Virginia 
safely at Leesburg. He then returned to the Valley, defeated 
Averill and Crook in two engagements, and took position below 
Winchester, ready to advance again or fall back up the Valley.' 

Sheridan Against Early. — General Grant now sent General 
Sheridan with 55,000 men to drive Early back from the Potomac. 
Twelve thousand of these troops were cavalry. Lee sent to 
Early, Anderson from Longstreet's corps with one division of in- 
fantry and one of cavalry, which raised Early's force to 14,000. 
On September 19th, Sheridan with 50,000 men attacked Early 

1 In this campaign the Southern authorities, for the only time, undertook any 
systematic retaliation for the outrages and destruction so widely perpetrated by 
the Federal armies throughout the South. Railroads, trains and bridges in Mary- 
land were destroyed, horses were carried off. and contributions in money were 
levied on the towns. Blair's residence, near Washington, was burned. When Early's 
army returned to the Valley, B.T. Johnson and McCausland were sent with cavalry 
to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland, to collect $100,000 in 
gold or $500,000 in United States bank notes, to pay for the houses burned by Gene- 
ral Hunter in the lower Valley. If Chambersburg did not pay the money, the town 
was to be burned. When McCausland fired the town in obedience to these orders, 
the Northern people and papers cried out in horror against the barbarity which thus 
burned one town, though tbey described and illustrated with mach complacency 
hundreds of similar conflagrations throughout the South. 




Lincoln's administration. 333 

at Wincliester, and by hard fighting overcame the 14,000 Con- 
federates, although he lost 1,000 men more than they did. On 
the 22nd, another severe blow was dealt to Early, which forced 
him to withdraw fifty miles up the Valley. 

Victory and Defeat at Cedar Creek. — Lee again sent a small 
reinforcement to Early, and, on the morning of October 19th, 
Sheridan's entrenched camp near Cedar Creek was surprised, 
and the Federal troops were driven panic stricken for miles. 
Instead of pushing the pursuit vigorously, Early's half starved 
men, thinking their foes routed, stopped to 
plunder and refresh themselves with the 
comforts and luxuries in the deserted camp. 
When Sheridan heard that his men were flee- 
ing in disorder, he rode rapidly forward from 
Winchester to meet them, and persuaded a 
number of them to return to the battle-field 
with him. His available force, especially his 
cavalry, was still much larger than Early's j- b. kekshaw. 
army. His presence revived their drooping spirits. He re- 
formed his line, attacked the Confederates and utterly routed 
them, capturing their guns, wagons, and men, besides all they 
had taken from them in the morning. 

Sheridan's Devastation of the Valley.— This last disaster 
almost destroyed Early's wasted army, and there was nothing 
left to check Sheridan's progress through the Valley, where his 
track was marked by fire and destruction. Of it, he wrote, " I 
have destroyed over 2,000 barns filled with wheat, hay and 
farming implements ; over seventy mills filled with flour and 
wheat ; have driven in front of the army over 4,000 head of stock, 
and have killed and issued to the troops over 3,000 sheep." 
Sherman had done the same things in Mississippi, and was 
about to do even worse in Georgia. 

Grant on the James. — Grant, meanwhile, was extending his 
lines both north and south of the James. He had seized part 
of the Weldon Railroad, and from time to time injured the other 
railroads. In the oft-repeated encounters with th^ Southern 



334 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

infantry and cavalry, he lost heavily, double and sometimes 
treble what they did, without the. strength of his army being 
materially weakened. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of the attack on Petersburg in June. 2. Describe 
General Beauregard's defence of the city. 3. ^^'hat was Grant's plan of ope- 
rations? 4. What circumstances made Lee's task very diflficult ? /). How 
did the condition of the North contrast with this ? 6. Tell of Mahoiie's at^ 
tack on Grant's left. 7. Of the battle of lleams's Station. 8. What effect 
had all this upon the North (note) ? 9. What was Grant's next effort ? 10. 
Describe the explosion of the mine, and the fight at the crater. 11. How 
did the negro soldiers behave? 12. How did this effort end, .and with what 
loss on each side (note) ? 13. Who was now sent into ^Maryland ? 14. De- 
scribe the fight at Monocacy Bridge. 15. Tell of Early's march to Washington 
and return to the Valley. IG. Under what circumstances was Chambers- 
burg burned (note) ? 17. Who followed Early uj) the Valley ? 18. What 
was the difference between the forces? 19. DescriVje the victoiy and defeat 
at Cedar C:reek. 20. Tell of Sheridan's devastation of the Valley. 21. What 
were General Grant's movements on James liiver ? 



CHAPTER LX. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED.— 1864. 

Sherman's March to the Sea.— On November 15th Sher- 
man set out from Atlanta with 60,000 infanti-y and 5,500 cavalry, 
all supplied with wagons and provisions. There was no army 
to resist him, so he ordered that his men should subsist on 
the fertile country. The army moved on different roads, but 
all were to direct their course towards Savannah. "Wheeler's 
cavalry somewhat harassed the Federal advance, but could not 
seriously hinder them, and they moved rapidly forward, feasting 
luxuriously on the corn, sweet potatoes, poultry and cattle. All 
railroads were torn up, and Milledgeville, the capital of the 
State, was soon occupied.^ 

> The " bummers," as stragglers going out to forage were called, stole everything 
they could lay their hands «in, constantly destroying what they could not carry 
away. A Northern eye-witness described thaii doings: " Taking tlie last chicken. 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



335 




Nearing Savannah. — The Confederate government could not 
collect any considerable force to defend Savan- 
nah. Efforts were made to sweep the causeways 
across the rice swamps around the city with 
artillery, but amounted to very little, and Sher- 
inan reached the vicinity of Savannah on Decem- 
ber 10th. Fort McAlister, a strong earthwork, 
was taken on the 13th, and then General Sher- 
man waited to attack the city until he had 
opened communication with the Federal fleet, 

not far off, and could direct powerfid cannon 
against it. 

Fall of Savannah. — By the 17th his prepa- 
rations were finished, and he summoned the 
city to surrender, promising the heaviest ven- 
geance if it did not. General Hardee had too 
few men to defend the city, which was in no 
condition to stand a siege. He, however, de- 
clined to surrender, withdrew his army during 
the night, and moved towards Charleston. Sherman's army 
marched in on the 21st, and the next day he wrote and pre- 
sented Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and 20,000 bales of cot- 
ton, as a Christmas-gift to Mr. Lincoln. 

Northern Exultation. — This success so close upon Hood's 
defeat at Nashville filled the North with exultation. Congratu- 
lations were sent to General Sherman from President Lincoln 




W. J. HARDEE. 



the last pound of meal, and the only remaining scraggy cow from a poor woman 
and her flock of children, black or white not considered, came under the order of 
legitimate business. Even crockery, bed-covering and clothes were fair spoils. 
* * * A planter's house was overrun in a jilfy; boxes, drawers and escritoires 
were ransacked with laudable zeal and emptied of their contents. If the spoils were 
ample, the depredators were satisfied, and went off in peace; if not, everything 
was torn and destroyed, and most likely the owner was tickled with sharp bayo- 
nets into a confession where he had his treasures hid. * * * Should the house 
be deserted, the furniiure is smashed in pieces, music is pounded out of $400pianos 
With the ends of muskets. Mirrors were wonderfully multiplied, and rich cush- 
ions and carpets carried off to adorn teams and war-steeds. After all was cleaned 
out, most likely some set of stragglers wanted to enjoy a good fire, and set the 
house, debris of furniture, and all 'ln^ surroundings, in a blaze. This is the way 
Sherman's army lived on the country." 



336 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and General Grant and from all parts of the Union, and votes 
of thanks were passed by the State legislatures and the Federal 
Congress. In rejoicing at the result of the campaign, they lost 
sight of the barbarous measures which had accompanied it.^ 

Price Invades Missouri. — In September, of this year, Gen- 
ieral Sterling Price entered Missouri with 10,000 men. He did 
not wish to make only a raid, but to occupy and hold the State. 
He moved through a large part of it, almost without hindrance, 
raising the hopes of the Confederates, and injuring Federal 
property. But numbers of his men, who had not seen their 
families for several years, deserted him to return home. Troops 
were gathered to oppose him. He was attacked and defeated 
on October 23d, and again on the 24th. His army was cut up 
and demoralized, and he was obliged to retreat to Arkansas. 

Morgan's Last Raid and Death. — While Hunter was ad- 
vancing up the Valley of Virginia, General John Morgan was 
employed with his cavalry in East Tennessee and Southwest 
Virginia. The infantry with which he was co-operating were 
carried to oppose Hunter, and Morgan determined to avert a 
Federal expedition into Virginia, by another raid into Kentucky. 
With little over 2,000 men he dashed into Kentucky, and cap- 
tured Cynthiana and its garrison. The largely outnumbering 
Federal troops intended for Southwestern Virginia attacked 
him next day and drove his command into Tennessee. Early 
in September he was in the village of Greenville with only a few 
soldiers. The daughter-in-law of the woman at whose house 
he lodged, carried the information to the Federal camp at night. 
Four companies of Federal cavalry surrounded the house where 
he was sleeping. His staff were captured, but Morgan escaped 
unarmed into the garden. Seeing that he could not get away, 

1 Sherman, In his report, said that, besides destroying 265 miles of railroad, his 
army had consumed all the forage and food throughout a belt sixty miles wide 
from Atlanta to Savannah, and had carried off 10.000 mules and horses and a count- 
less number of slaves. He added that they had done damage costing IIC^.OOO.OOO, 
to Georgia — $20,000,000 for what the army had consumed, the rest being simple 
waste and destruction; and justified his vandalism by saying.' We are not only 
fighting hostile armies, but a hostile people, and must make old and ^oun^, rich 
jiijd poor, feel the hard hand of war." 



Lincoln's administration. 337 

he came out from his hiding place and surrendered to the Fed- 
eral captain. After this, a cavalryman rode close up to him, 
and, in spite of Morgan's declaring himself to be a prisoner, 
killed him and inflicted indignities upon his body. 

Affairs at Sea. — The Confederate cruisers, the Alabama, the 
Florida, the Shenandoah, the Sumter and others, by this time 
had nearly driven American merchant vessels from the ocean. 
The Alabama alone had destroyed about $10,000,000 worth of 
ships and cargoes. She was much battered by her long cruise 
in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and went into the 
harbor of Cherbourg, France, on June 11th, for repairs. 

The Alabama and Kearsarge. — The United States vessel 
Kearsarge was near the French coast, and her 
commander. Captain Winslow came near to Cher- 
bourg to watch the Alabama. That vessel was 
injured by hard service, but she might have 
slipped away without a fight. Her commander. 
Captain Semmes, did not know, that the Kear- 
sarge had a thick defence of iron chains con- 
cealed under the planking on her sides, and be- b. semmes. 
lieved that his ship could get the better of her in a fair fight. 
He, therefore, sent Captain Winslow word that he would give 
him battle as soon as the Alabama got a supply of coal. 

The Alabama Sunk. — On the 19th, the Alabama steamed 
out of the harbor and the fight began. The combat was more 
than a marine league from the land, but was plainly seen by 
persons on the shore and by the crews of the English yacht 
Deerhound, and of two French pilot boats. The powder of the 
Alabama was very defective, and her shot did little damage to 
the chain-clad Kearsarge, while the gallant little cruiser was 
soon torn to pieces and in a sinking condition. Even after 
Captain Semmes lowered his colors the Kearsarge fired five 
times upon its surrendered antagonist. The boats of the Ala- 
bama could save only part of the crew. The rest jumped 
into the water before she went down, and were most of them 
picked up by the Deerhound and the pilot boats. 
22 




338 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Destruction of the Florida. — Shortly after this, a Federal 
war vessel seized the Florida in the neutral harbor of Bahia, in 
Brazil. Mr. Seward apologized to Brazil, but the Florida was 
retained and afterwards sunk. The Shenandoah did not come 
into possession of the Federal government until after the closa 
of the war. 

Mr. Lincoln Re-elected, 1864. — A new President had now 
tb be elected at the North. One faction of the Eepublican 
party nominated John C Fremont; the other faction again 
nominated Mr. Lincoln. The Northern Democrats had all along 







'^^'""'\tA' 





SINKING OP THE ALABAMA BY TUK KEABSABGE. 

been divided on the question of the war. The Confederate suc- 
cesses early in the year, and General Grant's failure to destroy 
General Lee with all the men put at his command, had greatly 
strengthened the Peace Democrats or " copper heads." In 
a convention at Chicago they nominated General McClellan, 
and urged, among other things, that steps should be taken to 
secure a speedy peace. The successes of Thomas and Sherman 
revived the hopes of the North, and Mr. Lincoln was re-elected 
by an enormous majority. 

Peace Negotiations. — An informal effort to open peace nego- 
tiations had been made in July by a few prominent Southerners, 



Lincoln's administration. 339 

but they had no authority. Mr. Lincoln did not encourage 
them, and the whole thing came to nothing. 

Condition of the Confederacy. — The Southern Confederacy 
was now in desperate straits. Her territory was cut to pieces 
and overrun by enemies. Her money was worthless ; her re- 
sources exhausted. Her few soldiers were half naked and half 
starved, and the people at home were little better oflf. There 
were no means of repairing the railroads destroyed by the in- 
vading armies. A majority of the able-bodied white men in the 
South had been killed or disabled by battle, disease and expo- 
sure, and thousands of them were languishing in Northern pri- 
sons. The taking of horses and cattle for army purposes and 
the widespread devastation of the invading armies, bade fair to 
add famine to the other calamities of the South. The Federal 
power, meanwhile, had gained immensely during the year. It 
now held Tennessee, Missouri, and most of Mississippi and Ala- 
bama, had wasted Georgia and the Valley of Virginia, and had 
nearly destroyed Hood's, Price's and Early's armies. And Grant 
and Sherman were making ready 200,000 men to crush the army 
defending Petersburg. The end was plainly drawing near. 

Questions. — 1. Describe Sherman's march to the sea. 2. "Who were the 
"bummers" (note)? 3. Who has told us of their bad doings (note)? 
4. What was done as the army neared Savannah ? 5. Tell of the fall of 
Savannah, and of Sherman's letter to Mr. Lincoln. 6. Describe the whole- 
sale destruction in Georgia by Sherman's army (note). 7. What effort was 
made by General Price in Missouri ? 8. Tell of General Morgan's last raid, 
and of his death. 9. Tell what the cruiser Alabama had accomplished. 
10. Tell of her battle with the Kearsarge. 11. What became of the Florida 
and the Shenandoah f 12. Who was elected President in 1864 ? 13. What 
efforts were made to secure peace ? 14. What was now the condition of the 
Confederacy? 



340 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTER LXI. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1865. 

Condition of Petersburg. — The intense cold of the opening 
year kept the armies at Petersburg quiet, and increased their 
sufferings. Water could scarcely be gotten anywhere. Lee's 
army had especial difficulty in procuring fuel. More than once 
Southern soldiers froze to death on duty. The incessant artil- 
lery fire rendered parts of Petersbvirg uninhabitable. The 
people grew accustomed to their danger, and even the women 
moved about within the Confederate lines while shells and can- 
non balls whizzed above their heads. 

Attacks on Fort Fisher. — The hard winter did not prevent 
operations elsewhere. Europe had threatened to disregard the 
Federal blockade unless it was enforced in North Carolina. 
Fort Fisher protected Wilmington, the only open port left, and 
it seemed doubly important to capture it. General Grant deter- 
mined to reduce it before any of Sherman's force came near it 
on their march northward. An expedition against it, in Decem- 
ber, under General Butler, had accomplished nothing. 

Terry Attacks Fort Fisher. — On January 6th, General 
Terry was sent thither with 20,000 infantry. Admiral Porter's 
fleet of fifty-nine vessels — five of them ironclads — was to co-op- 
erate with Terry. General Bragg was ordered to defend 
Wilmington.' 

Fort Fisher Taken. — After bombarding Fort Fisher for 
three days, the fleet and land force attacked it. The ships 
opened a concentric fire from 413 guns. This unequaled storm 
of shot and shell battered down the walls of the fort, disman- 
tled the cannon, exploded the powder, and made the place so 
hot that the garrison could not stand to their guns. The 

» One of the Richmond papers expressed the sentiment of the South by the sen- 
tence : "General Bragg has been appointed to command at Wilmington; good- 
bye, Wilmington." It is a question whether the most skillful commander could 
liave held the fort against such enormous odds. 




Lincoln's administration. 341 

infantry was at first repulsed with severe loss, and after they 
carried the outer works, had a fierce hand-to-hand struggle for 
the inner defences, which lasted until after midnight. When 
General Whiting was mortally wounded, Colonel Lamb entirely 
disabled, and hundreds of the heroic garrison of 2,500 men 
killed or wounded, the general surrendered the fort and some 
1,800 men. The Federal loss was nearly 700. 
Wilmington passed at once into the hands of 
the Federal troops. 

Sherman's March from the Sea. — On Feb- 
ruary 1st General Sherman set out northward 
from Savannah, with 60,000 infantry, 5,000 
cavalry, and a large artillery force. The Con- 
federates had only a small army, composed of ^^^ -•\\'7^^-^> 
some of Hood's and Hardee's forces and of the Joseph wheeler. 
State militia. Wheeler's cavalry did what they could by ob- 
structing the roads and destroying the bridges, but could not 
materially delay the advancing hosts. 

Destruction in South Carolina. — The Federal army could 
not subsist on the supplies of South Carolina as they had done 
in Georgia, but everything on their route became a prey to 
plunder and destruction. All the outrages committed in Mis- 
sissippi, Louisiana, Georgia and the Valley of Virginia were 
merciful, compared to the deeds of Sherman's army in South 
Carolina. No efforts were made to restrain the soldiers. Wide- 
spreading columns of smoke marked their route afar off. Dwell- 
ings, granaries, negro cabins, resin-factories, the pine forests 
themselves, were set on fire ; the sun was hidden by smoke and 
the night made bright by flames. The dwelling-houses were 
i-ifled before they were burned. The thieves took what they 
wanted and destroyed the rest — the costly furniture with axes, 
the carpets, curtains, and libraries by dragging them through 
the dirt or scattering them to the winds. All plate and jewels 
were taken, and rings and ear-rings were torn from the fingers 
and ears of the terrified women. Old men were tortured to 
make them tell where money or silver was hidden ; negroes were 




342 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

robbed as quickly as white people. The gardens were probed 
with bayonets, and the defenceless people were often left with- 
out food or shelter. The officers not only did nothing to pre- 
vent these cruel deeds, but thought them " comical." ^ 

Fall of Charleston. — Sherman's direct march for Columbia, 
the capital of South Carolina, obliged Hardee to evacuate Char- 
leston. This he did on February 17th, first 
burning the cotton, the arsenals, and other 
public property. A large quantity of powder 
accidentally esi:)loded, killed several hundred 
people and kindled a fire in which much of the 
city was burned, and the whole threatened with 
destruction. It had made a heroic defence for 
'^i^^Si^F four years, and bore everywhere marks of the 
WADE HAMPTON. gi^Q^ aud shell hurled into it, and the flames 
which had desolated it. General Gilmore occupied it on the 
2lBt, but found its beauty gone, and its once fair streets scarred 
and mutilated. 

Burning of Columbia. — The Federal army occupied Colum- 
bia on February 17th. General Sherman promised that only pub- 
lic property should be injured, and that not a finger's breadth 
of the town should be burned. Instead of this, the soldiers 
began their usual thieving and destruction as soon as they 
entered the streets. Stores were sacked, and private houses 
robbed. Watches and rings were snatched from their owners. 
Insults and indignities were heaped upon the people, especially 
the women, and the town was burned, if not by General Sher- 
man's order, without any hindrance from him. Fires broke out 
in twenty places at once and spread rapidly, and the soldiers cut 
the hose to prevent the fire-engines from checking its advance. 
A special protection had been promised to the Roman Catholic 
convent, but it, too, was burned, and the helpless nuns, with 

1 One of General Sherman's aides, after describing these plunderings, said : " It 
was all fair spoil in war, and the search made one of the excitements of the 
march." A special feature of Sherman's triumphal march through Washington, 
some months later, was a procession of " bummers," with mules laden with stolen 
goods. 



Lincoln's administration. 



343 



their sixty pupils, had to spend the night in the open park. 
The most beautiful part of Columbia was thus destroyed. 
Churches, banks, schools, private houses and shops, became a 
heap of smoking ruins. The homeless people passed the night 
huddled in groups in the streets and gai'dens, and when morn- 
ing broke gazed hopelessly at the desolation everywhere.^ 




BURNING OF COLUMBIA. 

Peace Conference. — In 1862 Napoleon III., of France, sent 
a French army to Mexico to make the Archduke Maximilian, of 
Austria, emperor there. This was entirely contrary to the Monroe 
Doctrine, of which I have told you. Many persons thought that 
the United States and the Confederacy might possibly unite to 
expel the French from Mexico, and thus a stop might be put to the 
strife between them. On February 3d of this year, an informal 
" Peace Conference " took place on a ship in Hampton Roads, 
between President Lincoln and Mr. Seward, on one side, and Vice- 

1 General Sherman averred that General Hampton had destroyed Columbia by 
firing some cotton bales before evacuating the town. General Hampton denied 
this, and hundreds of witnesses testified that no fires broke out until after Sher- 
man's men entered the town, and that they would not allow the flames to be put 
out, though some of the officers and soldiers were less Inhuman, and helped the 
frightened people to move their household goods, and showed them other little 
kindnesses. In his Memoir, General Sherman says that the fire was " accidental," 
and that he laid it on Hampton to " shake the faith of the South Carolinians in him." 



344 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

President Stephens, Mr. Hunter, of Virginia, and Judge Camp- 
bell, of Louisiana, on the other. Mr. Lincoln would admit no 
conditions of peace, except the immediate return of the South to 
the Union. The Southern Commissioners were instructed to 
require the recognition of the Confederacy. The two sides could 
not agree, and the conference accomplished nothing. Southern 
patriotism and zeal were aroused anew by learning that there 
was no hope for an honorable peace. But enthusiasm could not 
fill up their depleted army, or provide for the starving soldiers 
and people.' 

Lee Made Commander-in-Chief. — In February, Lee was ap- 
pointed commander-in-chief of the Confederate armies. He 
offered pardon to all deserters who would return to the ranks, 
and exhorted all the soldiers to be constant and firm against 
their enemies. His own half -starved and half -frozen men con- 
tinued to face their assailants boldly. On February 5th, the 
Federal troops seized the defences on Lee's extreme right, at 
Hatcher's Run, and the Confederates could not dislodge them. 
The gallant General John Pegram was killed in this fight. 

Lee Plans to Leave Petersburg. — General Joseph E. 
Johnston was now given command of the Confederate forces in 
North Carolina, to do what was possible to hinder Sherman's 
rapid advance to Virginia. Johnston could only collect 18,000 
men, while Sherman, with Schofield's command from Wilming- 
ton, had some 70,000. General Lee had seen for months that 
if his army remained in the trenches at Petersburg it must be 
eventually surrounded and captured. If he left these defences 
for the open country, Richmond, the Confederate capital, must 
fall into General Grant's hands. His plan to leave Petersburg 

1 Flour was $300 a barrel, and in the far South could not be had. Corn meal was 
fifty dollars, corn fifteen dollars, coffee thirty dollars, tea fifty dollars, and butter 
thirty dollars a pound. Dry goods could not be bought. Ladies tarned and re- 
turned their old clothing or wore homespun cotton, woven by hand. They made 
hats and bonnets of \vheatstraw and palmetto, and trimmed them with feathers and 
straw flowers. They fashioned gloves for themselves and their friends of old silk 
stockings and bits of clotli. The upper parts of gaiter boots were made in the same 
way, and then it cost two hundred dollars to have a pair soled. A general's pay was 
only $301 a month. Other officers got less; the privates scarcely anything. 



Lincoln's administration, 345 

at an earlier period had been given up, because the Confederate 
authorities were so opposed to it. But the necessity for doing 
it was becoming imperative ; and, if Lee could join Johnston so 
that they could strike Sherman before Grant could reinforce 
him, they might succeed in carrying on the struggle for South- 
ern independence to a hopeful conclusion. 

The Federal Forces Ordered to Concentrate in Virginia. 
The Southern President agreed with General Lee that supplies 
for the army should be collected at Danville, and that, so soon 
as the weather and the roads permitted, General Lee should 
move rapidly thither, join Johnston, and attack Sherman. But 
General Grant took measures which made such a move impossi- 
ble. Sheridan brought his 12,000 cavalry from the Valley, wast- 
ing the country as he came. Thomas was ordered to come into 
Southwestern Virginia, to destroy the railroads there. Sherman 
was moving towards Petersburg, and Grant ordered his own 
infantry and cavalry to make another sweep round Lee's right, 
on March 29th. 

Assault on Fort Steadman. — Lee perceived that Grant's 
line was weakened at one point by this movement, and ordered 
an attack there before day, on March 25th. 
The two lines were only 200 yards apart, and 
the pickets could talk to each other. General 
Gordon led the dangerous assault. He captured 
Fort Steadman on Hare's Hill, and pressed for- 
ward with 4,000 men, hoping to cut Grant's line 
entirely in two, to get in their rear and turn the 
Federal guns upon their trenches. But the 
guides led him to an unfavorable position, the JO"^ ^ (jordon. 
supporting column was slow in coming up ; the Federal guns 
opened upon his men, and Gordon was forced to retire with a 
loss of over 3,000. The Federals lost 2,000. 

The Forces Compared. — Lee had now only some 35,000 men 
to defend thirty-seven miles of entrenchments — not 1,000 to a 
mile, and this number was constantly lessened by battle and 
hardships. Grant had more than three times as many — 120,- 





346 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

000 ; enough to hold his lines and throw more men than Lee 
had against his flank and rear, which he proceeded to do. 

Sheridan's Victory at Five Forks. — Sheridan, with his 
cavalry and two infantry corps, was sent to destroy the railroads 
and occupy the country west of Petersburg. To prevent the 
cutting of his only communications with the South, General 
Lee sent Fitz Lee with the cavalry and Pickett with infantry to 
check Sheridan, while he himself moved rapidly to the Federal 
left with 17,000 men, on March 31st, and struck their advancing 
column on the flank. The foremost divisions 
gave way before Lee's sudden, heavy attack; 
but behind them were greatly superior forces, 
massed in a strong position, which he could 
not successfully assault, and he had to fall 
back again to his own trenches. The same day, 
Fitz Lee inflicted considerable loss on Sheri- 
dan near Five Forks, and drove him some dis- 
w. J. FEGKAM. tance. The next day two Federal infantry 
corps came up. Sheridan attacked, in his turn, and defeated 
the Confederates, who lost 3,500 men, including the brave and 
youthful Colonel William Johnson Pegram, some artillery and 
colors. This was the beginning of the end.^ 

Attack on Petersburg.— The next morning, April 2nd, Grant 
attacked Lee at daybreak, all along the Petersburg lines. Long- 
street's men did not get over from Richmond in time to assist 
in defending them. The small force in the trenches fought 
bravely, but was driven out by numbers, and fell back to 
the inner breastworks, the guns from which checked the Fed- 
eral pursuit. General A. P. Hill was killed in this struggle. 
Petersburg and Richmond Evacuated. — The only thing 

1 William Johnson Pegram was a student at the University of Virginia when the 
war commenced, and enlisted in Company F., of Richmond. He was subsequently 
transferred to the artillery service, and at the battle of Mechanicsville commanded 
the Purcell battery. lie had been conspicuous for his gallantry In every battle of 
the Army of Northern Virginia, and at the time of his deatli was directing the fire 
of a portion of his battalion, the Crenshaw artillery which here, for the first time 
in its history, sustained the loss of one of Its guns. But a few days before he had 
been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general. 



Lincoln's administration. 347 

now was, if possible, to withdraw the Southern army, so that 
it might escape capture and be fed and rested. It was Sunday 
morning. Mr. Davis was in St. Paul's Church, Richmond, when 
he received General Lee's telegram saying that he would evacu- 
ate Petersburg that night. Steps were at once taken to remove 
the Government papers and what property could be taken away. 
The Government oflficers left the city and all the soldiers were 
ordered to join General Lee. In the emergency, vehicles of all 
sorts were piled with boxes from the departments and hurried 
to the depots. 

Distress and Riot in Richmond. — The people of the city 
were filled with anguish at the news that they must fall into the 
enemy's hands. All men who could bear arms hm^ried away 
and left the despaii'ing women to their anxieties. A rumor 
spread that the government supplies were to be distributed to 
the people, and crowds gathered around the commissary stores. 
To prevent drunkenness adding to the disorder of the day, the 
city council gave orders to destroy all the liquor in the place. 
The barrels of liquor were rolled into the streets and broken to 
pieces. But the gutters were soon full of the spirit. The mob 
quickly became intoxicated, and open riot followed. Drunken 
men and women broke into stores and robbed them, and the 
streets resounded with yells and cries of drunkenness or terror. 

Fire. — Fire added to these horrors. Before General Ewell 
left the cit}^ he fired the tobacco warehouses to keep the tobacco 
from being captured. The bridges over the river and the ves- 
sels were also burned. The fire spread from house to house 
until the whole business part of the city was in flames. Through 
Sunday night and all day Monday, the burning, uproar and 
thieving went on. You cannot imagine all the horror, confusion 
and misery of the scene. By Monday evening, Weitzel's com^ 
mand marched in, and Richmond was in the hands of her cap- 
tors. 

Mr. Lincoln Visits Petersburg and Richmond. — There were 
no horrors, but only dull despair at Petersburg, when General 
Grant and his soldiers marched into the battle-torn town. Mr. 



348 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

Lincoln came at once from City Point to Petersburg, and then 
to Richmond. He visited President Davis's house with special 
curiosity, and seated himself in Mr. Davis's own chair. 

Exultation at the North. — The North went wild with joy 
at the fall of Richmond. Bells were rung, cannon boomed, pub- 
lic squares rang with huzzas, with hymns and doxologies, and 
United States flags hung from every house. 

Questions. — 1. What was the condition of Petersburg? 2. Why was 
it important for the Federals to capture Fort Fisher? 3. What force 
went against it, and who was sent to defend it ? 4. Tell of the cap- 
ture of Fort Fisher. 5. Describe Sherman's march from the sea. 6. Who 
opposed him ? 7. Tell of the wanton destruction committed by the Fed- 
eral army in South Carolina. 8. Of the fall of Charleston. 6. Of the 
burning of Columbia. 10. What charge did General Sherman bring 
against General Hampton (note) ? 11. What occurred in Mexico in 1862? 
12. How did many persons think this might affect the war? 13. What of 
the Peace Conference ? 14. Describe the destitution in the South (note). 
15. How did General Lee try to increase his army when he was made com- 
mander-in-chief ? 16. What plan did Lee have for leaving Petersburg? 
17. What did Grant do to prevent such a movement ? 18. Describe the as- 
sault on Fort Steadman. 19. How did the forces of the two armies com- 
pare? 20. Tell of Sheridan's victory at Five Forlcs. 21. Of Grant's attack 
on Petersburg. 22. Describe the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. 
23. Tell of the distress and riot In Richmond. 24. Of the fire there. 25. De- 
scribe Mr. Lincoln's visit to Petersburg and Richmond. 26. What was the 
feeling at the North ? 



CHAPTER LXII. 

LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— 1865. 

Lee's Retreat. — In the night of April 2nd, Lee's army left 
Petersburg and crossed the Appomattox, bringing almost all 
their field artillery. Their route lay to Amelia Courthouse, 
where General Lee had ordered food and forage to be held in 
readiness. It was pleasant to the men to get once more into 
the open country, green with the freshness of spring, and 
they moved forward rapidly and in good spirits. They had 



Lincoln's administration. 349 

often fallen back before superior numbers, and then struck 
them crushing blows. They had absolute confidence in their 
commander, and they expected to find food for their hunger at 
Amelia Courthouse. But when they reached that point, on the 
4th, worn and wearied with the long march over muddy roads, 
there were no supplies there. 

Delay at Amelia Courthouse. — Somebody had disobeyed 
orders, and the food, which should have been in readiness there, 
had been carried on to Richmond. It was a dreadful disappoint- 
ment. Men and animals were exhausted with hunger, and with 
a march of two days and nights. It was impossible to proceed 

•— -— . CONPSDKRATE RBTBEAV R ICH rf^^Uj^jj iJi 

•"—••— Federal advanch ^^^^vi^^^ijmy,^^^^»i 
, Roads ^ ..rarf?-^ ■^''* iMIm 



..^-" 



^eaAp.sth. 






^.®VSi 



""H 



FROM PETERSBUKG TO APPOMATTOX. 



until they were fed and rested. Twenty-four hours were spent 
in collecting scanty supplies from the surrounding country, and 
the delay was fatal. 

Grant in Pursuit. — General Grant's army was in rapid pur- 
suit. One of General Lee's confidential dispatches had been 
captured in Richmond, and the Federal general learned from it 
how to foil the plan of retreat. His army moved on two roads 
parallel with Lee's route, and pressed on to seize the railroad 
and cut Lee off from Danville, which was made practicable by 
the delay at Amelia Courthouse. 

Ewell Attacked at Sailor's Creek.— The 20,000 soldiers left 
to the Army of Northern Virginia resumed their march on the 
evening of April 6th, depressed by hunger, fatigue, and disap- 



350 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

pointment. They had no food but a little parched corn, and 
many sank exhausted by the roadside. At Jetersville, only 
seven miles from Amelia Courthouse, Sheridan had intrenched 
himself, with 18,000 men, to wait for Meade, while Lee was still 
at the Courthouse. On the 6th, the weary and starving rear half 
of the retreating army, commanded by Ewell, was attacked at 
Sailor's Creek by a greatly superior force, was surrounded and 
all of the 10,000 men, except some 250, were killed, wounded, 
or captured. General Lee tried in person to avert this disas- 
ter, and when he returned to his other troops told an officer: 
" Half of our army is destroyed." Retreat towards Danville 
was now impossible, and what was left of the army pressed on 
towards Lynchburg. The days were taken up in skirmishes 
and protecting the guns and wagons, and the marching was 
mostly at night. 

At Fannville. — At Farmville, on the morning of the 7th, the 
retreating troops found provisions to satisfy their hunger for 
the first time since leaving Petersburg. By this time Lee's 
principal officers were convinced that further resistance would 
produce only a useless loss of life. General Lee was informed 
of their opinion by his chief of artillery. But the Confederate 
commander could not believe that their cause was so desperate, 
and said that death was preferable to unconditional surrender. 
At Appomattox, April 8, 1865. — Lee pressed on during 
the 8th, hoping to find supplies at Appomattox Courthouse, and 
then to get behind the Staunton River and 
unite with Johnston. But the Federal army 
had seized the railroad, and moved much faster 
than he did. Before the Confederates reached 
the neighborhood of Appomattox, on the even- 
ing of the 8th, Sheridan's cavalry had occupied 
P the j)iace and captured the trains with Lee's 
supplies. By the morning of the 9th, there 
FiTznuGH LHE. wcro 40,000 Federal soldiers in front and 25,- 
000 close behind Lee's 10,000 men. Gordon and Fitz Lee, who 
led the retreat, attacked and drove back the force immediately 




Lincoln's administration. 351 

in their front, but the great hosts behind these made farther 
resistance hopeless. 

First Steps Towards Surrender. — On the night of the 7th, 
General Grant sent a note, asking General Lee to surrender. 
Lee inquired what terms the Federal general would offer. Gen- 
eral Grant replied that he should only insist that the officers 
and men should not take up arms against the United States 
until properly exchanged ; and offered to meet General Lee at 
any time to arrange for putting a stop to the fighting. Lee 
then said he did not think the time for surrender had come. 
But when, on the 9th, he found that his gallant little band could 
not cut its way through the toils which surrounded it, he felt 
that his duty to his soldiers required him to yield, and sent a 
flag of truce asking for an iaterview with General Grant. 

Meeting of Grant and Lee, April 9th, 1865.— The two 
commanders met at the house of Mr. Wilmer McLean, in the 
village of Appomattox Courthouse. Grant had with him Gen- 
erals Sheridan and Ord, and some of his staff; Lee, only his 
aide. Colonel Marshall, and a courier. Grant was forty-two 
years' old, of medium height, and not at all imposing in appear- 
ance. He was dressed in a shabby suit of dark blue flannel, 
with his trousers tucked in his boots ; wore neither sword nor 
spurs, and had no mark of his rank save a general's shoulder 
straps. Lee was a remarkably fine-looking man, fifty-eight 
years' old, six feet ia height, with silvery grey hair and beard. 
He wore a Confederate gray uniform, with the three stars of a 
general on the collar, cavalry boots with handsome spurs, and a 
spendid sword presented to him by a Marylander. It seemed 
as though he wished, in this trying hour, to do as much honor 
as possible to the cause and ai-my which he represented. 

The Terms of Surrender. — The terms of surrender were 
quickly written out. The men and officers were to be paroled, 
on a pledge not to take up arms until properly exchanged. The 
officers could retain their side arms, private horses and baggage. 
All other property and arms were to be given up, and the army 
disbanded and allowed to go home. General Lee asked if the 



352 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



soldiers might retain the horses belonging to them. To which 
General Grant agreed, saying they would need the horses to 
raise food for their families. Both commanders then signed the 
articles.* Three officers from each army arranged the particu- 
lars of the surrender. Generals Gibbon, Griffin and Merritt, for 
the Federals ; Longstreet, Gordon and Pendleton, for the Con- 
federates. 

Departure of Lee and Grant. — Lee's troops had learned of 
the surrender before he returned to them, and they crowded 









>M^I I'/ 



^^^ -^1/ 




LEE LEAVING APPOMATTOX. 

around him to touch him or his horse, weeping like women. 
The anguish of defeat and surrender was like death to them. 
Lee, too, wept as with a broken voice he bade them farewell. 
The next day he issued a brief, parting address to the army, 
rode through their weeping ranks with imcovered head, and set 

> There is no foundation for the story that General Lee handed his sword to Gen- 
eral Grant, who returned it to him. General Grant said the sword was never 
thought of. Before taking leave General Lee said he wished to send back 1,000 
Federal prisoners for whom he had no food; adding that his own men had been 
living on parched corn for days. General Grant then gave him an order for 26,000 
of his own rations which Sheridan had captured. 



Lincoln's administration. 353 

out to join his family in Richmond, General Grant showed 
much magnanimity to the defeated army. As at Vicksburg, he 
permitted no display of exultation over his fallen foes. After he 
had arranged to carry out the details of surrender with no out- 
rage to the feelings of the brave men who had so long held his 
troops at bay, he went to Washington to stop further conscrip- 
tion and spending of money. 

The Soldiers After the Surrender. — Ten thousand men 
under arms were surrendered at Appomattox, 8,000 of them 
infantry, the rest cavalry and artillery. The broken down sol- 
diers and stragglers brought up the number paroled to 28,350.* 

End of the War — Numbers Engaj^ed. — Exultation and joy 
filled the whole North at the tidings of Lee's surrender. Every 
government post fired 200 guns, and there were universal demon- 
strations of rejoicing. It proved to be the real end of the war. 
Johnston, in a few weeks, surrendered to Sherman all the Con- 
federate troops east of the Mississippi, on the terms made be- 
tween Lee and Grant, and Kirby Smith did the same thing west 
of the Mississippi — about 267,000 from Appomattox to the Rio 
Grande. After a time, 1,200,000 Federal soldiers were mustered 
out of service. One million had lost their lives from battle or 
disease. The Confederate government, from first to last, was 
never able to put as many as 800,000 in the field. 

Mr. Lincoln's Plan to Receive States Back into the 
Union. — When Mr. Lincoln was asked how the conquered 
Southerners should be treated, he replied : " Let 'em up easy, 
let 'em up easy." At his second inauguration, little more than 
a month before this time, he said he should act "with malice to- 
wards none, with charity for all " ; and although he was almost 
reckless in exercising unconstitutional power, he was a kind- 

1 After being paroled, they dispersed to reach their homes as best they might. 
Most of them were penniless. Many had to go hundreds of miles, without money 
or means of transportation, but they moved through the despoiled and desolated 
South without rioting or outrage, often to find their homes wasted and destroyed. 
They braced themselves to face disappointment and defeat with the same courage 
and devotion which had sustained them through four years of unparalleled strife 
ana battle, and began at once to do what was possible to retrieve the ruin of their 
beloved South. 

23 



354 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

hearted man, who would probably deal as kindly as he could 
with the Southern people after the Southern armies surrendered. 
In 1863 he had issued a proclamation that any seceded State 
should be received back into the Union whenever one-tenth of 
its voters should take the oath of allegiance to the United 
States and re-estabhsh a State government. Louisiana and 
Arkansas had already organized such governments, and it 
seemed likely that the other Southern States would, by a simi- 
lar process, soon be taken once more into the Union. 

Assassination of President Lincoln. — Any hope of a liberal 
policy towards the South on Mr. Lincoln's part was destroyed 
by his assassination on Good Friday night, April 14th, 1865. 
He was in a box at Ford's Theatre, in Washington, when John 
Wilkes Booth, an actor, entered the box and shot the President 
in the head. Booth then shouted : " Sic semper tyra7inis,'" 
sprang on the stage, escaped through the rear of the building, 
mounted his horse and rode off. The theatre was at once in 
an uproar. Some ran for surgeons, others pursued the assassin. 
The murdered President was removed to a house close by, but 
nothing could be done for him. The ball had entered his brain, 
and he died in unconsciousness the next morning.^ 

Eifect of Mr. Lincoln's Murder.— This killing of Mr. Lin- 
coln excited the horror of the civilized world. The North was 
enraged at it, and many persons believed that the crime was 
planned by the Southern people. The Secretary of War, Mr. 
Stanton, went so far as to charge it upon the Southern leaders 
and to put a price upon the head of Mr. Davis and some South- 
ern gentlemen in Canada— $100,000 for Mr. Davis and $25,000 
apiece for four other persons. The charge was malicious and 
preposterous. Jefferson Davis was incapable of doing a cow- 
ardly or cruel action, and the other gentlemen would have 
scorned to plan or assist in such a dastardly deed.' 

'At the time of Mr. Lincoln's murder an accomplice of Booth's, one Powell, 
made his way Into Mr. Seward's bedroom and struck several times with a dagger 
at Mr. Seward, who was confined to his bed, but did not inflict a mortal wound, 

*The closest investigation could find no one implicated in the assassination 
besides Booth and the man Powell, A l»d named Harold and one Atzerott were 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



35^ 



Funeral Honors to Mr. Lincoln. — Mr. Lincoln's remains lay- 
in state in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Al- 
bany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and were viewed by hun- 
dreds of thousands of people On the 5th of May they were 
interred at his former home f" 
in Springfield, Illinois. Vice- 
President Andrew Johnson 
became President, at Mr. Lin 
coin's death. 

Mr. Davis After the Sur- 
render. — Before going far 
ther, I must tell you what i"'-?< ^ 
became of President Davis 
He left Richmond for Dan 
ville, expecting Lee and John 
ston to unite and make a sue 
cessfvil stand. Lee's surren- 
der destroyed this hope, and 
Mr. Davis determined to push 
at once across the Missisippi, 
and there try to secure some 
favorable terms for the South 
from the United States. 

His Capture. — In Geor- capture of mr. da vis. 

gia, he learned that his wife and famUy, who were trying to 
reach Florida, were in danger from marauders, and rode a long 
distance to join and protect them. After travelling with them 
some days he was about to leave them and hasten west. The 
night before his departure, Federal soldiers surrounded the 
little camp and took most of the party prisoners. Mr. Davis 

devoted friends of Booth, but took no part in the killing. They, however, and 
Mrs. Mary Surratt, at whose house, in Washington, Booth and others often met, 
were imprisoned and treated with cruel severity, tried by a military commission, 
and hanged on July 4, 1865. In leaping on the stage in the theatre Booth broke his 
ankle. With great difficulty he made his way to lower Maryland and thence to 
Virginia, accompanied by the boy Harold. It was impossible to elude the eager 
pursuit made for them. They were discovered in a barn, and Booth was shot 
through a crack in the door and killed, and his dead body was subjected to many 
indignities. 




356 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

was captured as he went towards his horse. In his haste he 
picked up his wife's water-proof cloak instead of his own, and 
she had thrown a light shawl over his shoulders. 

Imprisonment of Mr. Davis. — The proclamation offering 
$100,000 for the capture of Mr. Davis had just reached Georgia, 
and the distinguished prisoner was at once subjected to insults 
and ill-treatment. He was carried to Fortress Monroe, where 
he underwent inhuman cruelty. He was confined in a damp, 
gloomy, stone cell, with iron-barred windows ; four armed sen- 
tinels paced up and down day and night ; and a bright light was 
kept always shining in his eyes. Heavy irons were fastened on 
his ankles. His wretched food was served in a disgusting way 
without either knife or fork. No paper, books or tobacco were 
allowed him, and only very scanty clothing. Everything he had 
was taken from him, and spectators were permitted to come and 
gaze at him as at a caged animal. He was never very strong, 
and these privations and indignities, added to his anxieties about 
his family and his mental anguish at the downfall of his beloved 
South, made him extremely ill. Although he was in the most 
critical condition, Dr. Craven, the Federal surgeon, could 
scarcely procure for him the comforts and alleviations necessary 
to save his life. Dr. Craven was severely reprimanded for pro- 
viding his ill-patient with suitable food, and a warm overcoat, 
and was forbidden to speak to him excef)t about his health. 

Suffered for the Whole South. — When the charge against 
him of Mr. Lincoln's murder was proved a malicious slander, Mr. 
Davis was accused, with equal falseness, of having caused all the 
sufferings of Northern soldiers in Southern prisons. The ablest 
lawyers at the North said that he could not be tried for treason, 
because the whole South had resisted the Federal government. 
But the majority of the Northern people abhorred him as the 
arch-traitor, and wished to wreak their vengeance upon him. 
Mr. Lincoln had intimated a wish that all the Southern leaders 
might get away from the country without his knowing it. Mr. 
Johnson would gladly have punished Mr. Davis as if he were 
guilty of horrible crimes. 



Lincoln's administration. 357 

Mr. Daris's Later Life. — After languishing in confinement 
for two years, Mr. Davis was brought to Kichmond to be tried 
for treason. The wiser men of the Republican party knew that 
the persecution which he experienced was unjust and calculated 
to injure their party. He was, therefore, released on a bail of 
$100,000, for part of which Horace Greeley and Gerrit Smith 
pledged themselves. The trial never came off. The charges 
against Mr. Davis were finally withdrawn, and he passed his 
later life quietly, near Pass Christian, more beloved and honored 
by the Southern people amid his misfortunes than when he was 
President of the ill-fated Confederacy.' 

Questions. — 1. When did Lee retreat from Petersburg? 3. What route 
did he take ? 3. What misfortune occurred at Amelia Courthouse ? 4. What 
was Grant's line of pursuit? 5. Tell of the battle of Sailor's Creek. 
6. Whither did General Lee now turn ? 7. Tell of the army at Farmville. 
8. Of the army at Appomattox, and the attack there. 9. What did the two 
armies number ? 10. What were the first steps taken towards surrender ? 
IL Describe the meeting of Lee and Grant. 12. What were the terms of 
surrender, and what spirit did General Grant show ? 13. Tell of the depart- 
ure of Lee and Grant. 14. What was the condition of the soldiers after the 
surrender (note) ? 15. What became of the armies in North Carolina and 
west of the Mississippi ? 16. What numbers were engaged on both sides 
during the war ? 17. What proclamation had been issued by Mr. Lincoln 
in 1863 ? 18. Tell of Mr. Lincoln's assassination. 19. What was the effect 
of this murder? 20. What became of Booth? 21. Where was Mr. Lin- 
coln buried ? 22. What became of Mr. Davis after the surrender ? 23. Re- 
late the circumstances of his capture. 24. Tell of his imprisonment and 
sufferings. 25. Of what did his enemies accuse him ? 26. Tell of his later 
life. 27. Of his death and the honors paid to his memory (note). 

1 Mr. Davis died in New Orleans on December 6, 1889. In May, 1893, his remains 
were taken to Richmond and laid in Hollywood Cemetery. Wherever the funeral 
train halted large crowds gathered to honor his memory , and a procession of old 
soldiers and citizens several miles long escorted the sacred dust to its final resting 
place, where an appropriate monument will soon be erected to his memory. 



358 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

CHAPTEK LXIIL 

ANDREW JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1865-1869. 

Condition of the Country. — Within a few months the great 
Federal armies were disbanded ; but, though the civil war was 
formally over, both North and South had been upturned in the 
struggle, and real peace and harmony did not follow the cessa- 
tion of battle. The disregard of the Constitution and laws by 
the North for four years had induced habits of reckless authority 
and tyrannizing over the minority not now easy to lay aside. 
For years longer they prevailed, as well as other evil results of 
the rash license of war. At the South everything was in a state 
of chaos. The railroads were almost unfit for use. There were 
no mails except to Federal camps. The banks were all destroyed, 
and there was no money. In immense sections of the country 
the lands lay waste, the cattle were gone, fences had disappeared, 
the mills and many dwellings were only heaps of charred ruins. 
No manufactories were left. The whole system of labor was 
destroyed. The negroes, who had mostly been faithful to their 
masters and their duties during the war, were utterly demoral- 
ized by their sudden emancipation, which robbed the South of 
$2,000,000,000 worth of property, in addition to the universal 
destruction everywhere seen. 

Courage of the Southerners Under Defeat. — The defeated 
Southern soldiers encountered the ruin and impoverishment of 
their devastated homes with the same courage which had given 
them strength to contend against heavy odds on the battle- 
field. To gather up the fragments left and exercise their abili- 
ties for the comfort and support of the loved ones who rejoiced 
in their return, while mourning over their defeat, became the 
first duty and chief interest of each surviving Southerner. Offi- 
cers and privates alike used the horses left them by General 
Grant to raise food with their own hands for their wives and 
children. Others did whatever offered them a livelihood. They 



Johnson's administration. 359 

drove di'ays and street-cars, worked in machine-shops, cut wood 
in the forests, and the most cultivated and elegant men in the 
South put their hands with a will to every kind of labor. 

Greneral Lee Becomes a College President. — Southern 
schools and colleges had almost died out during the war. The 
States at once took steps to revive them. General Lee himself 
became President of Washington College, in Virginia, and de- 
voted his energies to train his youthful countrymen to become 
useful, patriotic citizens. Numbers of the students and profes- 
sors who gathered round him had followed him to battle, and 
now sought to fit themselves under his guidance for the duties 
of peace. 

Submission to Federal Laws. — The political issues of the 
time were all unsettled, and they were to have no voice in de- 
ciding them. Knowing as well as ever that their cause had 
been just, and their principles founded on right and law, they 
acquiesced in the fate which war had brought them, and were 
determined to keep their paroles, and obey the Federal laws. 
There was great uncertainty as to what those laws would be. 
Mr. Lincoln had held that a State could not get out of the 
"Union. He had, you remember, recognized the provisional gov- 
ernments of Virginia and Tennessee early in the war, and those 
of Louisiana and Arkansas organized under the proclamation of 
reconstruction, in 1863. He would, no doubt, had he lived, have 
organized similar governments in each of the Southern States. 

Andrew Johnson's Position. — Like Mr. Lincoln, Andrew 
Johnson held that the seceded States had never been out of the 
Union, and that the war had been fought solely to compel them 
to return to their allegiance to that Union. Horrified at Mr. 
Lincoln's assassination, and fearing that he, the only person 
benefited by it, might be suspected of complicity in the crime, 
he broke out into abuse of the Southern people, and fierce 
threats against their leaders. The persons and lives of the sol- 
diers who surrendered to General Grant and other Federal 
generals were protected by the terms of their paroles, and Gen- 
eral Grant demanded that these should be complied with. But 



360 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

for this, General Lee and others of the most influential Southern 
officers and statesmen would, most probably, have suffered 
grievous punishment. 

Johnson's Amnesty Proclamation. — Feeling thus towards 
the South, Mr. Johnson's amnesty proclamation was much more 
restricted and severe than Mr. Lincoln's had been. He then 
organized provisional governments, and ordered the mails and 
other Federal functions to be resumed in the South. 

Thirteenth Amendment. — Before Mr. Lincoln's second 
inauguration the Federal Congress voted a thirteenth amend- 
ment to the Constitution abolishing slavery in the United 
States. To make it part of the Constitution required the sanc- 
tion of three-fourths of the States, and for this the co-operation 
of the Southern States was necessary. The provisional gov- 
ernors of those States, therefore, summoned their legislatures 
to meet and act on the amendment. Under Mr. Johnson's 
amnesty proclamation, no man could vote or hold office who had 
held office in the Confederate States ; no general in their army 
or heutenant in the navy ; none who had been educated at West 
Point or been in the United States Congress ; and no citizen 
worth $20,000. This forbade most of the wisest and best men 
in the South to have anj'- voice whatever in the new governments. 
The legislatures elected by the limited number of voters ratified 
the thirteenth amendment, which was proclaimed to be law in 
December, 1865. 

Laws to Regulate Labor. — Dreading the evils apt to follow 
the sudden release of the negi'oes from all restraint, most of the 
Southern legislatures, although they represented a minority of 
the people, passed strict laws with regard to vagrants ; and also 
as to contracts for labor and other relations between employ- 
ers and employed. In some States these laws applied alike to 
both white and colored people ; in others only to negroes and 
mulattoes. Each State promised protection in their rights to 
both negroes and whites. The legislatures also elected mem- 
bers to the next United States Congress. 

Appointment of a Committee on Reconstruction.— It was 



Johnson's administration. S6l 

soon evident that the South could hope for no toleration at the 
hands of Congress. The names of Southern members were 
omitted from the roll call and a Joint Committee on Reconstruc- 
tion, of fifteen members, was at once appointed to enquire and 
report whether any Southern State was entitled to representa- 
tion in Congress. 

Congress and the President Disagree. — For four years the 
radical Republicans had urged on the war to enforce their doc- 
trine that a State could never get out of the Union. But now, 
although the Thirteenth Amendment had been declared valid 
because the Southern States had ratified it, they averred that, 
by seceding, those States had severed their relations to the 
Union, and must be treated as conquered provinces. President 
Johnson thought otherwise, and a struggle began at once be- 
tween him and Congress. The President's proclamation, on 
April 2d, declared the " insurrection at the South at an end, and 
the war over. But Congress showed fiercer animosity towards 
the South than before. 

Freedmen's Bureau. — The previous Congress had estab- 
lished the " Freedmen's Bureau," to look after the freedmen. 
Through it, the War Department was to furnish food, clothing 
and homes for the needy negroes. If the commissioners 
thought desirable, they were to parcel out among the negroes 
the abandoned or confiscated lands of Southern whites — forty 
acres to a man — and were to assist them in other ways. This 
law was not now thought forcible enough. The attempt of the 
Southern legislatures to control the negroes in any way, had 
given great offence. A second bill was therefore passed which 
gave more power to the Bureau, and ordered homes, lands, food, 
clothing, schools and asylums to be provided for the negroes, 
and granted them equal privileges with the whites. All viola- 
tions of this bill and offences against the negroes were to be 
punished by the Bureau. 

Mr. Johnson's Vetoes. — Mr. Johnson promptly vetoed this 
bill as unconstitutional. He also vetoed on the same ground a 
" Civil Rights Bill " which conferred the same rights on the ne- 



862 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

groes as the whites ; and a bill to admit Colorado as a State. 
Congress, however, passed over the President's vetoes, a stricter 
Freedmen's Bureau Bill and both the other bills just mentioned. 

Fourteenth Amendment. — The ultra Republicans now 
passed a Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which 
contained in five clauses, all the measures they were resolved 
to carry out. The first clause declared all persons born or nat- 
uralized in the United States, citizens of them and of the State 
in which they lived, and forbade any State to abridge their 
privileges. The second limited the representation of each State 
in the proportion which the number allowed to vote bore to the 
male population over twenty-one years old. The third declared 
that no one should hold any office, civil or military under the 
United States or any State, who after having taken an oath to 
support the Constitution had taken part in secession — " insur- 
rection or rebellion " as it was termed — or had given aid to 
others engaged in it. The fourth provided for the payment of 
the United States debt, including pensions and bounties, and 
prohibited any settlement whatever of Confederate debts. The 
fifth gave Congress power to enforce all the provisions of the 
amendment. 

Reception of the Fourteenth Amendment. — This amend- 
ment was so contrary to the free spirit of the original Constitu- 
tion that it was justly termed "revolutionary." Even the loyal 
States gave slow and unwilling assent to it. The ratification of 
it was made a condition for the re-admission of the Southern 
States to the Union. All of them rejected it, except Tennessee. 
The President cannot veto a constitutional amendment, but Mr. 
Johnson sent a message to Congress expressing his disapproval 
of the Fourteenth Amendment, and declaring it invalid be- 
cause eleven States were not represented in the Congress which 
framed it. 

Strife Between the President and Congress. — Mr. Johnson 
Avas not afraid of Congress, but he became much incensed at its 
action. He had a violent, uncontrolled temper. In the summer 
he travelled through the North and West, accompanied by Gen- 



Johnson's administration. 363 

eral Grant and members of the Cabinet. On this tour, he 
denounced Congress in excited and undignified speeches, as 
only representing part of the Union, and called the radical lead- 
ers " Northern Disunionists," mentioning Thaddeus Stevens, 
Charles Sumner and Wendell Phillips by name. This, of course, 
widened the breach and embittered the strife between the Presi- 
dent and Congress. 

Reconstruction Committee, 1866. — The Eeconstruction 
Committee made every effort to collect information which would 
justify the most severe legislation against the South. It exam- 
ined strictly General Lee and other Southern leaders — every 
one, indeed, whose testimony might, perhaps, make Southern 
"disloyalty" more apparent. The Southern people, surrounded 
by ruin and desolation, could hardly be expected to love those 
who were now trying to add subjugation and humiliation to 
their defeat, but they had accepted in good faith the issue of 
the war, and intended to abide by the terms of their surrender. 
The testimony of General Lee and General Grant, on this point, 
availed nothing to change the purpose of the Eeconstruction 
Committee. Their first report asserted that the Southern States 
had " forfeited all civil and political rights and privileges under 
the Constitution." Tennessee, having a considerable Union popu- 
lation, was excepted, and was restored to the Union during the 
summer. 

Military Districts in tlie Soutll. —Congress met in Decem- 
ber more determined than ever to carry out its policy against 
the South. A reconstruction act now set aside the provi- 
sional governments established by the President, and divided 
the South into five military districts, to be governed by gene- 
rals appointed by the President. Almost absolute power was 
bestowed on these military governors, who were required to 
take steps to reorganize the State governments. 

Bills Passed, 1867. — The President vetoed this bill and 
others, two of which were framed to take away his constitu- 
tional powers. Congress passed them all over the veto, and, to 
prevent the President acting against their will, convened the 



$64 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

new Congress to meet on March 4tb, at the close of the short 
session, instead of waiting until December. 

The "Iron-Clad Oath." — The new Congress passed, over 
the veto, a stricter reconstruction act, which defined the au- 
thority of the military governors and prescribed the modes by 
which new State governments were to be instituted. A " test 
oath," known as the "iron-clad oath," was exacted from every 
one who was elected to ofl&ce. It affirmed that the person taking 
it had not borne arms against the United States, had given no 
aid to those who had, and had yielded no voluntary allegiance 
to any authority hostile to the Union. No man was allowed to 
vote without swearing that he had not taken an oath to support 
the Constitution of the United States and then engaged in in- 
surrection or rebellion. All Southern white men who had held 
any office prior to the war, from governor to constable, were 
excluded from voting, and the elections for State conventions 
and legislatures passed largely into the hands of the negroes 
and the Federal soldiers in Southern garrisons. 

Carpet-Baggers and Scalawags. — As soon as this act became 
a law, a crowd of unprincipled Northern adventurers swarmed 
into the Southern States, seeking plunder and self-aggrandize- 
ment. They received the title of "carpet-baggers," while the 
Southern whites who made friends with them were called " scala- 
wags." The " carpet-baggers," by i3retending great love for the 
negroes, soon worked themselves into the most important and 
best-paying places in the reconstructed Southern States. Some 
of these men were the dregs of the Federal army, some were fugi- 
tives from justice; few of them hesitated at any oppression or 
dishonesty which would add to their possessions. Bad as they 
were, they flattered and cajoled the ignorant, credulous negroes 
until they got themselves elected to all the best offices ; and the 
Radical Congress encouraged them as admirable tools with 
which to harry and insult the hated white Southerners. The 
years of their sway were filled with mismanagement and mis- 
rule beyond description. There seemed no hope of deliverance 
from these "carpet-baggers," who were found everywhere, an^ 



Johnson's administration. 365 

had themselves elected governors of States, mayors of towns, 
and judges of the courts. 

Questions. — 1. What was the condition of both the North and South 
after the war ? 2. What spirit was shown by the Southern soldiers ? 
3. What position did General Lee take ? 4. What were Mr. Lincoln's 
views as to the seceded States ? 5. What was President Johnson's opinion 
and how did he act toward the South ? 6. What was his amnesty procla- 
mation? 7. What was the " Thirteenth Amendment " ? 8. What persons 
were forbidden to vote in the South ? 9. What laws were made to regulate 
labor at the South? 10. What joint committee was appointed? 11. Were 
members from the Southern States admitted to Congress ? 12. What dif- 
ference arose between the President and Congress ? 13. For what purpose 
was the Freedmen's Bureau established ? 14. What bills were passed over 
the President's veto ? 15. What was the "Fourteenth Amendment"? 
16. How was it received ? 17. Tell of the President's tour and of his 
speeches in 1866. 18. Describe the work of the Reconstruction Commit- 
tee. 19. What sort of governments were now set up in the South ? 20. What 
bills were passed in 1867 ? 21 . What was the ' ' Iron-Clad Oath " ? 22. Who 
were the " carpet-baggers " and the "scalawags"? 23. Tell of the influ- 
ence they acquired and its bad consequences. 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED— GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION. 

Impeachment of the President, 1868. — At length the 
hatred of Congress against the President came to a crisis. On 
February 5th, 1868, Mr. Thaddeus Stevens and Mr. John A. 
Bingham appeared at the bar of the Senate and in the name of 
the House of Representatives impeached the President and de- 
manded that the Senate should try him. The charges brought 
against Mr. Johnson seem now very frivolous — that he had re- 
moved Secretary Stanton from office ; had issued orders directly 
to General Emory, and had abused Congress in his public 
speeches. Mr. Johnson's acts and language had been passion- 
ate and undignified, but they were not unconstitutional, and 
did not merit the strong measures of a trial and removal from 
office. 



366 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

His Acquittal. — When the case came to a vote, on May 16th, 
thirty-five of the fifty-four senators were for conviction, nineteen 
for acquittal. It requires a two-thirds vote to convict. This 
could not be had. The chief justice gave judgment of acquit- 
tal and the court dissolved. Secretary Stanton i-esigned. The 
President won the fight and continued his denunciations of Con- 
gress. 

Re-Admission of StJltes, 1868. — By the end of June, recon, 
structed governments had been set up in Arkansas, the Caro- 
linas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana. Their mon- 
grel legislatures, composed largely of negroes, carjDet-baggers, 
and Federal soldiers, willingly ratified the Fourteenth Amend- 
ment, which was proclaimed a law on July 28th. Congress ap- 
proved the constitutions adojDted by the States just named, and 
admitted them to representation. Virginia, Mississippi and 
Texas declined to accept the constitutions prepared for them by 
reconstructing conventions, and were kept under military gov- 
ernors for some years longer. 

General Grant's Election, 1868. — General Grant was next 
elected President by the Republicans. The negro voters in the 
reconstructed Southern States followed the "carpet-baggers" 
like sheep, and the Electoral College gave General Grant a ma- 
jority of 134, although he received only some 300,000 votes more 
of the 6,000,000 cast than did Horatio Seymour, the Democratic 
candidate. 

Fifteenth Amendment. — Before General Grant was inaugu- 
rated, Congress voted for a Fifteenth Amendment, which gave 
the right of 8ufi:rage to the negroes, and empowered Congress 
to enforce it. This amendment, being ratified by the requisite 
number of States, became a law the next year. The three South- 
ern States not yet " reconstructed " were required to accept it 
as well as the fourteenth, before they should be re-admitted to 
the Union. Within twelve months, the strong military rule 
brought them also into subjection, and they, too, were counted 
among the States. 

Oppression Under the Reconstructed Goyernraents,— 



Johnson's administration. 367 

These " reconstructed governments " in no way represented the 
people of the Southern States. The military authority had 
never professed to be anything but arbitrary. Some of the 
generals vv^ho ruled in the five districts were more conscientious 
and humane than others, more prudent and considerate of the 
white population under their domination ; but all had been 
oppressive and dictatorial, and there had been no pretence of 
freedom. Under reconstruction there was the mockery of a 
representative government, which ignored many of the most 
intelligent white population, whUe it oppressed and robbed 
them without mercy. The reconstruction policy turned the 
Southern States into what one of the strongest Northern writers 
describes as " a political hell." ' 

Loyal Leagues. — In order to increase their influence for evil 
over the colored people, these crafty white leaders introduced 
among them secret societies known as " Loyal Leagues," or 
"Lincoln Leagues."^ The meetings were held at night, when 
violent speeches incited the negroes to evil deeds, and to out- 
rages too horrible to be described. The Freedmen's Bureau, 
especially, encouraged these pernicious leagues. 

'This was the harvest time for the carpet-baggers, whose principal motive in 
life was to enrich themselves. In South Carolina, the governor, lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, and all the other State officials were either carpet-baggers or negroes. In 
other States, officers of the army which had desolated them shared the government 
with other Nortliern adventurers and with negroes. Many of these negro legisla- 
tors, judges, and magistrates could neither read nor write, and had not the sense 
to understand the important questions of the evil times. Government, in such 
incapable hands, became every day more corrupt. The ignorant negroes, elated at 
their fancied equality with their white colleagues, were entirely subservient to 
their will. All base devices were used to gain money for the greedy adventurers. 
The impoverished States were taxed more heavily than the most prosperous times 
warranted, and those taxes had to be paid by the disfranchised whites. Railroads 
and other schemes were chartered which bribed the State officials enormously to 
"put them through." Corporations and private citizens were fleeced without 
mercy. The debt of South Carolina was increased from $5,000,000, in 1865, to $30,- 
000,000, ten years later. The same conditions prevailed elsewhere, and Mississippi, 
Louisiana, and Arkansas suflered as deeply as South Carolina. The lot of the 
intelligent white population was made harder by the officious interference of the 
Freedmen's Bureau in their social and domestic life. Whatever story against a 
white employer any idle, vindictive negro carried to an officer of the Bureau was 
eagerly listened to, emd was sure to occasion an offensive rebuke or admonition to 
the accused party, while the negroes were encouraged in idleness and lawlessness. 

2 These leagues seem to have been partly religious and partly political. The 
members took solemn oaths to carry out the objects of the society, which were to 
Strengthen the Northern adventurers, and injure the Southern whites. 



368 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Patient Submission Impossible. — No high-spirited, cour- 
ageous people could patiently submit to such a course of out- 
rages and indignities from the negroes whom they knew to be 
unfit for governing, and from white men often morally below 
the negroes. The Southern whites had promised not to take up 
arms, and were obliged to devise some other mode of hghtening 
their galling yoke. 

Secret Societies for Protection. — As open resistance was 
impossible, they, too, had recourse to secret organizations. 
These were at first local, and were intended for self-protection 
against the barn-burnings and worse outrages committed by the 
negroes. The best men at the South took part in these socie- 
ties, which bore such names as "The Pale Faces," "The In- 
visible Empire," "Knights of the White Camellia," and other 
fantastic titles. They worked upon the fears and superstitions 
of the negroes, by appearing suddenly at night with masked 
faces and flowing white robes, sometimes declaring themselves 
to be ghosts or evil spirits, and threatening terrible punishment 
to all who resisted them. 

" Ku Klux Klan." — After a time, these different societies 
were all known as the "Ku Klux Klan," which became quite 
powerfiil, though there was not really any widespread, general 
organization. The methods which had proved efficacious to 
intimidate the "Loyal Leagues," and to protect white women 
and defenceless families, were now used for political purposes.* 

Oppression and Tyranny. — The Democratic party at the 
North was opposed to the tyranny and oppression practiced at 
the South, but could not prevent it. The Eepublicans were de- 
termined to keep the National government in their own hands, 
and to maintain their supremacy in the Southern States, no 

1 The enormous negro majorities were the principal cause of the misrule, and dis- 
honestly prevailing throughout the Southern States, and the Ku Klux devoted 
itself to keeping the negroes from voting. Sometimes negroes and Northern whites, 
who stirred up others to deeds of violence against the harassed and exasperated 
Southerners, received severe whippings. Outrages and indignities perpetrated 
under the influence of the leagues were paid back by the Ku Klux. That mysteri- 
ous body was also, no doubt, sometimes blamed for acts of private vengeance. The 
control of the Kians had, by this time, passed out of the hands of the best Southern 
men into those of more unscrupulous leaders. 



grant's administration. 369 

matter how corrupt their agents and their measures might be. 
Whenever the negroes and carpet-baggers could not control the 
white men, in any part of the South, they complained to the 
government in Washington, which, at once, sent United States 
troops to back up the despotic rule of the reconstruction gov- 
ernors. This added another element of strife and confusion to 
the distracted, down-trodden South. The history of the South 
from 1865 to 1876 is only a record of military oppression and 
civil tyranny.' 

The Force Bill. — All this proscription and robbery aroused 
such opposition in the Southern States that whenever the troops 
were withdrawn, the whites gained the upper hand ; and, with 
the aid of some of the negroes, whom they partly persuaded and 
partly frightened into siding with them, showed their States to 
be in favor of the Democrats. To prevent this, the Republican 
Congress, in 1871, passed a Force Bill giving control of all Fed- 
eral elections to United States soldiers and officers. The cor- 
rupt legislatures had appointed Returning Boards to count and 
decide upon the votes ; and the protection given the boards by 
the Force Bill, occasioned most of the election contests of which 
I have told you. The people of the South were held in this thral- 

1 If such a thing were possible, there was more misrule and despotism in Louisi- 
ana, South Carolina, Mississippi and Arkansas than elsewhere. As early as 1866, 
there were bloody riots In Louisiana between the partisans of Mr. Lincoln's pro- 
visional governor and Mr. Johnson's. General Sheridan superseded both, but 
proved so arbitrary that he was ordered elsewhere. In the election of ls68 most of 
the whites and many negroes voted against the Republicans, and gave a large ma- 
jority for Mr. Seymour. The Republicans would not yield and bloodshed and riot 
occurred all over the State. In New Orleans, the colored Democrats were mobbed, 
and one of their orators was murdered. At last, the Republicans quarrelled over 
the offices. Twice, two different governors claimed to be elected. In 1870, Gen- 
eral Grant recognized Pinchback, a negro, as governor. In another contest be- 
tween the Republicans and Democrats, the President allowed the Democratic leg- 
islature to assemble, and declared Kellogg the Republican, the lawful governor. 
The best of the negroes joined the whites in resisting Kellogg. Riots and blood- 
shed again broke out. When the people in New Orleans deposed Kellogg, soldiers 
Were sent to uphold him, and military rule was re-established. But whoever 
governed, the State was plundered and impoverished without mercy. Property 
was everywhere confiscated, and the profits went to the carpet-baggers. Govern- 
ment officials stole unblushingly. Warmouth, the Republican governor before 
Kellogg, who came from the North a poor man, amassed a large fortune while in 
office. 

22 



370 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

dom a few yeai's longer ; but such tyranny could not exist for- 
ever. In 187.5, Mississippi cast a strong Democratic vote, and 
Revels, the negro Senator from the State, wrote to General 
Grant : " My people as they grow older, grow wiser. They have 
learned that they were being using as tools, and cast their bal- 
lots against unprincipled adventurers to overthrow them." 

Effects of Reconstruction Rule. — I have told you very lit- 
tle of the horrors and iniquities of the " Reconstruction Period." 
Except in loss of life, the South suffered far more than during 
the war. The lawless exercise of despotic power, the disregard 
of moral obligations, and the greed for wealth which trampled 
upon honor and honesty, produced long and lasting evil conse- 
quences to the whole nation. After years of mingled endurance 
and resistance, oppression and plundering fell into disgrace in 
the South. Slowly and grudgingly Congress doled out amnesty 
to the Southerners, and the States got the reins of government 
into their own hands. Native patriots once more guided their 
councils, and the long reign of terror came to an end. 

Questions. — 1. For what was Presideut Johnson impeached? 2. Tell 
of his acquittal. 3. What States were re-adniitted in 1868? 4. What 
three Stat»!s refused to accept the conditions of re-admission ? 5. Who 
was elected President in 1868? 6. What is the Fifteenth Amendment? 
7. Describe the oppression in the South under the Reconsti'uction gov- 
ernments. 8. Who filled all the offices, and how were they elected 
(note) ? 9. How were the troubles increased by the Freedmen's Bureau 
(note)? 10. What were the Loyal Leagues ? 11. Was patient submission 
possible? 12. How did the white men try to protect themselves ? 13. Tell 
of the " Ku Klux Klan." 14. What were its plans, and how it was after- 
wards abused (note) ? 15. What is the history of the South from 1865 to 
1876? 16. Describe affairs in Louisiana, her two governments ami how 
she was robbed (note). 17. What was the Force Bill ? 18. What were the 
R»iturning Boards? 19. What were the effects of the Reconstruction Rule? 



grant's administration. 371 

CHAPTER I.XV. 

GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUED. 

Atlantic Telegraph, 1866. — During Mr. Johnson's adminis- 
tration a new Atlantic telegraph line was laid. The line laid 
down in 1858 became useless after a few messages passed over 
it. Mr. Cyrus Field tried, for eight years, to have a new one 
made. After $6,000,000 had been expended on it, his efforts 
were, in 1866, at last successful, and the submarine cable has 
been in operation ever since. There are now five ocean lines 
between us and Europe, and one to Brazil. 

Purchase of Alaska.— In 1867, the United States bought 
from Russia, for a little more than $7,000,000, the Northwestern 
part of the continent now known as Alaska. This vast region 
lies far north, but its climate is tempered by the warm Pacific 
current, somewhat as that of Great Britain is by the Gulf 
Stream. Great tracts of fine cedar and pine timber, valuable 
fisheries, and furs — especially seal skins — are found there, as 
well as important minerals, and gold in considerable quantities. 

Execution of Maximilian, 1867. — I have told you that 
Napoleon III., of France, had tried to place a European emperor 
on the throne of Mexico. The Mexicans did not choose to have 
it so. They fought against Maximilian, took him prisoner and 
shot him at Queretaro, in July of this year. He was a good 
man, and would, perhaps, have made a good ruler, but he had 
no right nor claim to govern Mexico. The United States, from 
the first, protested against the effort to establish a monarchy 
close to her borders, and, as soon as the Civil War ended, sent 
troops to the Mexican frontier. Napoleon withdrew the French 
force by which, alone, Maximilian was supported, and the de- 
struction of the unfortunate emperor soon followed. 

First Pacific Railroad, 1869. — The year of General Grant's 
inauguration witnessed the opening of the first railroad which 
crossed the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans 



372 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

Four other railroads now connect the eastern and western shores 
of the United States, and carry passengers from one to the other 
in fewer days than it formerly required months. So that the 
quickest route from England to China is across North America.* 

Price of GoW, 1869. — The paper money issued by the gov- 
ernment during the war declined gi-eatly in value. At one time 100 
cents in gold was worth 286 cents in "greenbacks." The notes 
then rose in value, and in 1869, a gold dollar was worth only 
130 cents in paper. Foreign trade is carried on in gold, and 
merchants and bankers are obliged to have it at any price. The 
United States Treasury, in Washington, had $100,000,000 in its 
vaults, and the New York banks $15,000,000. Fiske and Gould, 
two New York bankers of large fortune and much shrewdness, 
thought they would make a fortune for themselves by raising the 
price, and quietly began to buy gold in New York. They paid 
always a little more, and asked a still higher price for it, and 
intended to make one dollar in gold worth two in greenbacks. 

"Black Friday" in Wall Street, 1869.— The greatest ex- 
citement ever known in the gold-room on Wall street. New York, 
occurred on September 24th. The conspirators had bought up 
nearly all the gold in the market, and would sell none of it ex- 
cept at a ruinous price. They seemed to hold the business of 
the nation paralyzed in their hands, when a telegram announced 
that the Secretary of the Treasury offered $4,000,000 gold for 
sale. The price fell at once, and in twenty minutes went down 
twenty per cent. A great panic ensued. In the rush to bid for 
gold at the falling prices some men were crushed to death. Others 
died from the shock of losing instead of reaping enormous gains, 
but the principal actors in the speculation pocketed $11,000,000 
before they were checked. 

Internal Revenue. — The census of 1870 showed that in spite 
of the ravages of war, the population of the United States had 

1 In 1868 China sent to the United States the first embassy she had ever com- 
missioned to any foreign nation. Friendly relations have subsisted between the 
two governments since that time, although the United States have felt it necessary 
to prohibit the continual immigration of the Chinese, which was thought injurious, 
especially in the Pacific States. 



grant's administration. 373^ 

increased, since 1860, from 31,000,000 to 38,000,000, and the 
wealth of the nation in almost as large a proportion. A system 
of taxation on the productions of the country called the "In- 
ternal Revenue," was gradually lessening the enormous war 
debt. The South was still the great agricultural section, with 
her enormous crops of cotton, tobacco, sugar and rice ; and the 
internal revenue system greatly increased the burdens of her 
already over-taxed jDeople. 

Death of General Robert E. Lee, 1870.— On October 12, 
1870, General Robert E. Lee died at his home, in Lexington, 
Virginia, beloved and lamented by the whole Southern people. 
Even his foes pronounced him a great and good man, and his 
memory is cherished as that of a most noble and pure Christian 
patriot. 

Settlement of the Alabama Claims. — In 1871 complaint 
was made against England for the damage done to American 
commerce by Confederate privateers, and especially by the Ala- 
bama, and claims were pressed for the payment of such inju- 
ries. Great Britain agreed to pay $15,500,000 for the losses 
inflicted by the Confederate cruisers, while the United States 
had to pay $5,500,000 for permission to fish in Canadian waters. 

Great Fires in 1871 and 1872, — Destructive conflagrations 
marked these two years. The great fire which destroyed 25,000 
houses and $200,000,000 worth of property in Chicago is said 
to have been kindled by a cow kicking over a lamp in a shed 
which contained a good deal of straw. Many lives were also 
lost in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota by forest fires, which 
burned over immense tracts of timber. In 1872 Boston had a 
great conflagration, which consumed $80,000,000 worth of pro- 
perty. 

Credit Mobilier. — The Central and the Union Pacific Rail- 
roads had received enormous grants of land from the government. 
A corporation called the Credit Mobilier was chartered in Penn- 
sylvania to build the Union Pacific. This corporation was be- 
lieved to have given bribes to many prominent men, members 
of Congress, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the 



374 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Secretary of the Treasury, the Vice-President and his suc- 
cessor among them. Only two of these were actually proved 
guilty, but the rest were never cleared of suspicion. 

Financial Crash of 1873. — One of the worst money panics 
ever felt in the country followed the discovery of the operations of 
the Credit Mobilier. The Northern Pacific Railroad was in pro- 
cess of construction, and a Philadelphia bank, which was thought 
enormously rich, advanced money to build the road, expecting 
to be repaid by grants from Congress. The public mind was, 
however, so much aroused by the exposure of the Credit Mo- 
bilier that Congress could not venture to vote money for any 
railroad. The bonds of the railroads, which Jay Cooke's bank 
held as securities, became unsalable, and the bank failed for 
$15,000,000, carrying down with it many smaller banks and bu- 
siness houses. A great financial crash followed. Other railroads 
failed and the stockholders lost everything. Distress and 
"hard times" were felt everywhere, and bore most heavily on 
the poorer, working people. 

Re-Election of General Grant, 1872.— In the fall of 1872, 
General Grant was elected President for the second time. Hor- 
ace Greeley, of New York, ran against him as a " Liberal Re- 
pubhcan." The corruption of the government officials was more 
shameless than ever during Grant's second term. The moneyed 
classes were possessed by a spirit of wild speculation, which, no 
doubt, resulted in a large measure from the upturning of society, 
and the disregard of law and order caused by the war and the 
reconstruction period. 

Whiskey Frauds. — Whiskey was among the articles which 
produced a large internal revenue. It was found that United 
States officials had conspired with Western distillers to defraud 
the government out of $1,200,000 in a few months. The Presi- 
dent's Cabinet was infected with the prevailing dishonesty. 
Congress impeached General Belknap, the Secretary of War, for 
taking bribes and selling the patronage of his office, and he only 
escaped punishment for his guilt by being allowed to resign. 

Civil Service Reform, 1871.— In order to improve the pub- 



GRANT S ADMINISTRATION. 



375 



lie service, Congress, in 1871, authorized the President to estab- 
lish a Commission to regulate admission into what is known as 
the "civil service." The object of this was to give offices to 
none but fit persons, instead of allowing successful politicians 
to fill them with their followers. The first Commission lost the 
support of Congress, in 1874, but it has been re-established, and 




WEST FRONT OF THE CAPITOL AT WASHINli 



its rules and examinations now regulate admission to most of 
the Federal offices. 

Modoc War, 1873. — The Modoc Indians refused to abandon 
their lands in Oregon and remove to the Indian Territory, and 
defied the United States to compel them to it. The father of their 
leader Captain Jack, had been killed by order of an army officer, 
while under protection of a flag of truce, and Captain Jack 
hated the whites intensely. To avoid bloodshed, a truce with 
the Modocs was agreed to, and General Canby and other com- 
missioners met them in council. Indian vengeance could not 
resist such an opportunity. General Canby and a clergyman 
were murdered in the council. A fierce war followed. The 
whole band of Modocs was forced to surrender, and the chiefs 
were court-martialed and executed. 

Sioux War, 1876. — Three years later, the Sioux Indians be- 



376 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

gan to rove from their reservation in Dakota into Montana and 
Wyoming, where they murdered and robbed the white settlers. 
Soldiers were sent to subdue them. General Custer, with his 
cavalry, increased the rage of the Sioux by burning their towns 
and inflicting punishment on their women and children. While 
scouting near the Big Horn River, on June 25th, the cavalry 
suddenly came upon a large force of Indians. A battle ensued 
in which General Custer and all his men were killed. A murder- 
ous war raged for months. The Indians were defeated again 
and again, and at last retreated to Canada to avoid extermination. 

Centennial Exposition, 1876.— The Centennial year of the 
Eepublic, was celebrated by a great International Exposition, 
held in Philadelphia. More than two hundred splendid build- 
ings were erected — several of them made entirely of iron and 
glass — to contain a grand display of products from all parts of 
the world. Millions of people from all parts of the United 
States and from abroad, visited this exposition, which gave a 
wonderful idea of the resources and wealth developed by the 
Republic in a hundred years. Electric lights and telephones, 
now so widely used, were first exhibited at this exposition. 

Colorado the " Centennial State."— The admission of Col- 
orado into the Union in 1876, made her exactly one hundred 
years younger than the " old thirteen." Nebraska was the first 
State to come in after the war, in 1867. Colorado, the thirty- 
eighth State, was the second. 

Questions.—!. When was the second Atlantic telegraph laid? 2. Tell 
of Alaska and its purchase. 3. Tell the story of Maximilian and Mexico. 
4. What are our relations to China (note?) 5. When was the first Pa- 
cific Railroad opened ? 6. Tell of the price of gold in 1869. 7. Of " Black 
Friday" in Wall street. 8. What is the internal revenue? 9. Tell of 
General Lee's death. 10. What were the Alahmna claims? 11. What 
great fires occurred in 1871 and 1872? 12. Tell of the Credit Mobilier. 
13. What caused the financial crash in 1873 ? 14. Who was elected Presi- 
dent in 1872 ? 15. Tell of the " whiskey frauds." 16. What is meant by 
Civil Service Reform ? 17. Tell of the Modoc War in 1873. 18. Of the 
Sioux War in 1876. 19. Describe the Centennial Exhibition in 1876, and 
tell what it celebrated. 20. When was Colorado admitted to the Union ? 
21. When did Nebraska come in? 



Hayes's administration. 377 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

END OF grant's ADMINISTRATION— HAYES'S ADMINISTRATION— ADMIN- 
ISTRATIONS OF GARFIELD, ARTHUR AND CLEVELAND. 

Tildeil and Hayes, 1876. — Another presidential election was 
held in the centennial year. The candidates were Eutherford 
B. Hayes, of Ohio, Republican, and Samuel J. Tilden, of New 
York, Democrat. A very large majority of the popular vote 
was cast for Tilden, but as there were 369 electors in the Elec- 
toral College, 185 votes were necessary to elect the President. 
Both sides claimed the victory, but Tilden certainly had 184 
of the electoral votes, while twenty others were disputed. 

Two Governments in Louisiana and South Carolina. — 
Louisiana and South Carolina sent to Washington two sets of 
electors, one certified by the lawfully-elected Democratic gover- 
nor, the other by the usurping Republican governor and Return- 
ing Board. Two sets of electors went also from Florida, one 
endorsed by the Republican governor, the other by the lawfully- 
elected Democratic governor and a Democratic member of the 
Returning Board. In Oregon Republican electors had the 
majority, but one of them held a United States office and was 
ineligible. The Democratic governor, therefore, gave certificates 
to two Republicans, and the third to the Democrat receiving 
the highest number of votes. Tilden already had 184 electoral 
votes, and this one from Oregon would have elected him with- 
out any of those disputed in the South. 

Electoral Commission. — Congress appointed an Electoral 
Commission to decide the question. This was composed of 
fifteen members, five each from the Senate, the House of Repre- 
sentatives, and the Supreme Court. The Senate chose three 
Republicans and two Democrats, the House three Democrats 
and two Republicans. Four judges, two belonging to each 
party, were then appointed. These four were to select the fifth 
judge. It was expected that they woidd choose Judge Davis, 
•who was a non-party man ; but Davis was made Senator from 



378 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Illinois, and resigned bis judgeship. The only two Democratic 
judges were already on the Commission. The fifth one chosen 
was, therefore, also a Republican. 

Election of Hayes. — The ablest lawyers in the land repre- 
sented the contending candidates before the Commission. Un- 
answerable evidence that frauds had been practiced, and votes 
suppressed in South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida, and that 
there was a large Democratic majority in those States was pro- 
duced ; but the Commission resolved to decide everything by 
the strict party vote of eight Republicans to seven Democrats. 
The Republican majority refused to go behind the certificates 
cif the Republican governors, and declared that all evidence of 
fraud in obtaining these certificates was alinnde or outside 
the question. This gave the three Southern States to Hayes, 
although their votes were in favor of Tilden. The latter needed, 
you remember, only one vote to secure his election, and the 
Democratic vote certified by the governor of Oregon gave him 
that one. But the majority of the commission at once changed 
its ground. Facts were only aliunde when in favor of the 
Democrats. Evidence was admitted to prove that the Republi- 
can elector thrown out by the Governor of Oregon had resigned 
his United States office. He was declared eligible over the gov- 
ernor's certificate, and counted as vote 185 for Hayes. 

The South After Hayes's Election. — Although made Presi- 
dent by fraudulent Southern votes, Mr. Hayes proved to be a 
friend to that section of the Union. He soon withdrew from it 
all Federal troops, and when the soldiers left, the carpet-bag- 
gers disappeared. The Republican governors, whose certifi- 
cates made Hayes President, now gave way quietly to the Demo- 
crats chosen by the people. From that time the South, guided 
and controled by her own people, has moved steadily forward. 

Strife Between Labor and Capital. — The accumulation of 
vast wealth in the hands of a few individuals or great corpora- 
tions, bears very hardly on people of smaller means, and espe- 
cially on those who work for daily wages. The employed are 
constantly trying to resist oppression by the employers, and to 
gain a larger proportion of the money made by their daily toil ; 



GARFIELD^S ADMINISTRATiO:^f. 379 

and this strife between labor and capital has caused dangerous 
outbreaks and troubles in various parts of the United States. 

Railroad Strikes, 1877. — This spirit first broke out danger- 
ously in the summer of 1877, when the railroad employees in 
Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York became dissatisfied with 
their wages. When the trains were started with new hands, 
the strikers burned the cars and the depots. State troops and 
United States soldiers were employed to put down the strikers. 
In Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a mob of 20,000 men held the city 
for days. Much property was destroyed, and 100 people killed. 
Similar riots occurred in St. Louis and Chicago. 

Specie Payments Resumed, 1879. — Specie payments were 
resumed on January 1, 1879, which means that the United States 
treasury and the national banks then, for the first time since 
1861, could pay all claims against them in gold 
instead of greenbacks. This resumption im- 
proved the national credit so much that the 
government could borrow money at a low 
interest. 

Garfield Becomes President. — More immi- 
grants came to the country than ever, and, in 
1880, the population was more than 50,000,000. 
The Republican candidate for President this j. a. gakfield. 
year was General James A. Garfield ; the Democratic candidate 
was General Winfield S. Hancock, both of whom had served in 
the war. Garfield was the choice of the stronger party, and be- 
came President on March 4, 1881. 

Shot by Ouiteau. — On July 2d General Garfield was shot in 
the depot in Washington by a disappointed o'ifice-seeker named 
Guiteau. The wounded President lingered for more than two 
months, and died after great suffering at Long Branch on Sep- 
tember 19th. Vice-President Arthur at once became President. 
Guiteau pretended to be insane, but was condemned and hanged, 
as he should have been. 

Centennial Celebration at Yorktown, 1881.— October 19th 
of this year was the hundredth anniversary of Cornwallis's sur- 
render, which was celebrated at Yorktown. Thousands of sol 




380 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

diers and war-vessels assembled there. France and Germany 
sent representatives, and descendants of officers from those nsr 
tions who had been with Washington, a hundred years before, 
joined in doing honor to the occasion. 

Unfortunate Arctic Expeditions. — The steamer Jeannette, 
fitted out by Mr. James Gordon Bennett, of New York, and 
manned by United States sailors and officers, in 1879, sailed 
through Behring Straits to explore the Arctic Ocean north of 
Asia. In 1881, she was crushed by ice. Her crew took to the 
boats. Some of them reached the frozen shores of Siberia, 
where most of them died of starvation. A few survivors after- 
wards reached home. A strictly national expedition of twenty- 
four men, commanded by Lieutenant Greely, was sent to estab- 
lish a Polar station in the frozen seas of North America in 1881. 
For three years nothing was heard of them. In 1882, and 
again in 1883, relief expeditions were sent, which failed to reach 
Greely's party. Another was sent in 1884, which cost $1,000,000, 
and was more successful. Six men only had lived through the 
sufferings and hardships of these three frozen 
years, and they were nearly dead when found by 
the relief party. 

Grover Cleveland President, 1885 to 1889. 
In 1885, Grover Cleveland, of New York, became 
the first Democratic President since Mr. Buch- 
GRovER CLEVELAND, anan — a period of twenty-five years. He de- 
feated James G. Blaine, the Republican candidate, by thirty- 
seven electoral votes. Mr. Hendricks, the Vice-President, soon 
died, and Congress then decided that in case the President and 
Vice-President should both die, the Secretary of State should be 
President and the other secretaries in a regular order. 

Labor Troubles. — Mr. Cleveland's fi-^st administration wit- 
nessed some important events, most of which arose from the 
discontent of the laboring men. The worst labor "strikes" 
hitherto experienced were in 1886. These "strikes" began 
with the street-car drivers in New York, and spread through 
many parts of the country and into almost all departments of 
work. Riots occurred in Chicago, and meetings in the public 




Harrison's administration. 381 

squares were harangued by leaders who uttered vicious threats 
and urged the mob to violent deeds. 

Anarchists, 1886. — When the city police, on May 4th, tried 
to disperse the mob, they were attacked with dynamite bombs, 
which killed six and wounded more than sixty of them. The 
rest of the police charged into the mob, killed some, wounded 
others, captured the ringleaders, and dispersed the rioters. All 
the leaders except one were foreigners. They boasted that they 
were "Anarchists" — enemies to all government, which they 
wished to destroy by murder or any kind of violence. Four of 
them were hanged, and others were imprisoned for life. 

Earthquake in Charleston, 1886. — This year there occurred 
a severe earthquake in Charleston, South Carolina, which threat- 
ened the city with total destruction, and was felt for several 
hundred miles. 

Questions. — 1. Tell of the election for President in 1876. 3. What 
double elections were held in South Carolina and Louisiana ? 3. In what 
States were the electoral votes disputed ? 4. What was the Electoral Coul- 
mission ? 5. How did it decide the election, and who became President ii 
1877? 6. What did Mr. Hayes do for the South? 7. What caused the 
strife between labor and capital ? 8 Tell of the railroad strikes in 1877. 
9. When did the government resume the payment of its debts in gold ? 10. 
Who became President iu 1881 ? 11. Give an account of his death. 13. 
What centennial celebration took place in 1881 ? 13. Tell of the unfortu- 
nate Arctic expeditions sent out in 1879 and 1881. 14. Who was elected 
President in 1884 ? 15. What labor troubles occurred during Mr. Cleve- 
land's first administration ? 16. Tell of the Anarchists and what they did. 
17. What disasters occurred in 1886 ? 



CHAPTEE LXVII. 

BENJAMIN HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION— CLEVELAND'S SECOND ELEC- 
TION—PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY. 

Benjamin Harrison, President, 1889. — The Repubhcan 
candidate, Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana, grandson of Presi- 
dent Harrison, of 1841, defeated Grover Cleveland in the next 
election, and became President on March 4:th, 1889. The six 
new States, North and South Dakota, Montana, "Washington, 




382 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Wyoming and Idaho were admitted into the Union, during this 
year ; and the Territory of Oklahoma was cut off from the In- 
dian Territory. 

The Tariff and the Currency. — During this and the pre- 
ceding administration, and ever since, the principal political 
questions have been concerning the tariff 
and the currency. They are both subjects 
hard to understand, too much disputed and 
"'"^^ too perplexing for me to hope to make them 
clear and interesting to you. They belong , 
to another branch of study. 

Second Election of Cleveland. — Grover 
Cleveland became President a second time, 
BENJAMIN HARBISON, in 1893. Scvcral new political parties have 
arisen in the country — "Populists," "Prohibitionists," and others. 
Columbian Exposition, 1893. — In 1893, magnificent naval 
reviews of vessels from almost all nations were held in Hampton 
Roads, Virginia, and in New York Harbor ; and the Great Co- 
lumbian Exposition or World's Fair occurred at Chicago to cele- 
brate the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of Ame- 
rica by Columbus. 

Strike in Chicago. — The next year, before all the foreign ex- 
hibits had been carried away, the most disastrous labor strike 
ever known broke out in Chicago. The strike began with the 
employees of the Pullman Car Company, and spread to all kinds 
of railroad business in the North and West. No trains were 
allowed to run ; the mails were stopped and all trade inter- 
rupted. When the railroads engaged other hands, the strikers 
resorted to violence and murder, to prevent any work being 
done. For days there was a wholesale destruction of property. 
United States soldiers were sent against the strikers, and order 
was restored. Many millions of dollars were lost by this out- 
break. An important fact connected with this and the previous 
strikes, is that the South took no part in them. Soldiers were 
necessary to control disorder in many places in the North and 
West, but the law-abiding South remained in absolute peace and 
security. 



PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY. 383 

Material Development. — Since 1862, great quantities of gold 
have been mined in Colorado and Nevada. Between 1850 and 
1860, coal and iron mining, salt making and manufactures in- 
creased largely. South of the Potomac, all progress vpas stopped 
by the Civil War, and Northern industries were directed to pro- 
ducing the things needed to carry it on. War materials, gun- 
boats, clothing, shoes, and the many appliances needed by the 
great Federal armies, employed numerous hands, and Northern 
workmen and contractors received high pay from 1861 to 1865. 

Wonderful Recuperation of the South. — When the war 
ended the North was wealthy and prosperous, the South 
plunged in poverty, which increased for ten years longer. Her 
recovery within the past twenty years has been astonishing. 
The fortitude and patience of the Southern people under their 
prolonged calamities, and their success in retrieving their ruined 
fortunes and regulating their State governments, have won re- 
spect from even those most hostile to them. 

Population and Industry. — Between 1880 and 1890, the 
popvilation of the South increased 40 per cent., and towns and 
cities sprung up like magic. In 1890, there was almost as 
much iron produced in the South as in the whole country in 
1870, and more than twice as much bituminous coal, as was 
mined in all the States in 1860. The Southern States raise 
three-fourths of the cotton of the world, and are constantly in- 
creasing their mills for manufacturing it. In ten years, rail- 
roads have nearly doubled in the South, and the assessed prop- 
erty has increased $342,193,583. The people no longer confine 
their eiforts to growing the staple crops on large plantations, 
but now wisely diversify their products. 

Railroads. — Steam and electricity are the principal factors in 
bringing about these changes and developments. The United 
States had, in 1850, not quite 9,000 miles of railroads, in 1890, 
more than 130,000 miles. This makes travel and transportation 
quicker and cheaper, but it increases enormously the wealth and 
power of the few owners and officers of the roads. 



384 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Steam. — Steam has lessened the labor and increased the pro- 
fits of most handicrafts. Richard Hoe of New York, invented 
a steam printing press, which can turn out more printed papers 
in six hours than scores of hand presses could do in a day. 
These presses have made it possible to print the multitudes of 
cheap books, and the huge daily and Sunday newspapers. 

Electricity. — The wonders of electricity which began with 
the magnetic telegraph have extended in many other directions. 
The telephone enables us to talk to people miles away. The 
phonograph stores up speeches, songs, concerts and every sound 
to be reproduced at a moment's notice. Electric light resem- 
bles that of the sun more than any other artificial light, and is 
largely used in lighting streets and houses. It has proved a 
powerful and beneficial assistant to the physician and the eui'- 
geon. It bids fair to take the place of steam as a motive power. 

Increase of Schools and Colleges. — The patient investigation 
and inventive genius which worked out these wonderful results 
are due in a great degree to the increased facilities for education. 
The historic colleges of Harvard, William and Mary, "Yale, 
Princeton and a half-dozen others of Colonial and Revolutionary 
days, have been followed by others whose number now reaches 
360. Some are solely for women; som3 admit men and woioen 
to the same classes, while others, in "annexes" established for 
the purpose, allow young women to study the same courses and 
receive the same degrees as the male students, provided Ihey 
pass the necessary examinations. The public and private schools 
have progressed in like proportion. Every American child — 
white, negro or Indian — can now receive the rudiments, at 
least, of a good English education, who wUl go to the public 
schools and learn what is taught in them. The Southern States 
have shown especial activity in this direction. Up to 1890 the 
school fund in the South increased nearly $12,000,000 in thir- 
teen years, nearly a million a year ; and I would have you notice 
that the negroes receive nearly one-half the schooling provided 
for by this tax, while they pay only one-thirtieth of it. 

The South in Early Literature. — The South gave to the Re- 



PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY. , 385 

public many of its greatest statesmen, and the documents writ- 
ten by them, which shaped its destiny — " The Bill of Rights," 
"The Declaration of Independence," and "The Constitution," 
while, outside of the region of politics, they furnished but a few 
distinguished writers, in the early part of this century. 

American Authors From 1820 to 1860. — Between these 
dates there came into notice in the North the historians — Ban- 
croft, Prescott and Motley ; the poets — Bryant, Longfellow and 
Lowell ; the essayists — Emerson and Holmes ; the novelists — 
Irving, Cooper, Hawthorne and Mrs. Stowe, who, with other 
writers, became distinguished throughout Europe and America. 
There were, also, contemporary with these, though not so widely 
known, men and women at the South equally worthy of honor 
and fame. Edgar A. Poe ranks as the greatest American poet ; 
Francis Scott Key, of Maryland, gave " The Star Spangled Ban- 
ner " to the country ; Kennedy, of Maryland ; the Tuckers, of 
Virginia ; William Gilmore Simms, of South Carolina ; Mrs. Caro- 
line Gilman, Marion Harland, and John Esten Cooke, of Virginia, 
wrote romances ; and Augustus Longstreet, of Georgia, and O. 
P. Baldwin, of Mississippi, racy sketches, which present to us 
pictures of Southern life from Revolutionary times to the Civil 
War; Bledsoe and Maury, of Virginia; Gayarre, of Louisiana, 
and others, show what Southern intellect was capable of in phi- 
losophy, science and history. The intellectual force, which many 
brilliant Southern minds concentrated on politics or lavished in 
newspaper editorials, would have won enduring literary renown, 
had it been devoted to making books. 

Writings About the Civil War. — The war changed this, 
like most other things at the South. In the universal struggle 
for subsistence, there seemed at j&rst no hope for a revival 
of Southern literature. But, even during the Reconstruction 
period, personal memoirs, historical writings, and other books 
appeared, worthy of the men who had maintained the unequal 
contest from 1861 to 1865. Mr. Davis's " Rise and Fall of the 
Confederate Government," Alexander Stephen's " War Between 
the States," Pollard's "Lost Cause," with the personal memoirs 
23 



386 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of Joseph E. Johnston, Hood, Taylor and other soldiers, pre- 
serve the story of the Civil "War and its causes, in books which 
rank equally with the memoirs of Grant, Sherman and other 
Federal Generals, as valuable history. 

A Few Southern Authors Since 1865. — Shut out from the 
field of national politics. Southern genius spread its wings for 
other flights. Paul Hayne, of South Carolina, James Barron 
Hope and Mrs. Margaret Preston, of Virginia, and Sidney La- 
nier, of Georgia — perhaps the greatest American poet after 
Poe — enriched our literature with melodious verse. Cable's pow- 
erful but partial Creole stories ; Miss Murfree's vivid pictures of 
the dwellers in the Tennessee mountains; Thomas Nelson 
Page's pathetic and humorous stories and sketches of life '• in 
Ole Virginny" and at the present day; Joel Chandler Harris's 
delightful " Uncle Eemus," along with the novels of Christian 
Reid, Frances Courtenay Baylor, M. G. McClelland and Amelie 
Rives have brought Southern fiction well abreast of Howells, 
Miss Woolson and leading romance writers at the North. In 
Mrs. Diana Corbin's memoir of her distinguished father, MattheAv 
F. Maury, and Mrs. Smedes's story of her father's life — "A Me- 
moir of a Southern Planter," biography is as charming and more 
instructive than romance. The " Memoirs " of Patrick Henry 
and George Mason, and " Letters and Times of the Tylers " by 
their respective descendants are valuable contributions to cor- 
rect history. I might mention many others to show you that 
in all departments of life and literature Southern men and women 
are doing honor to their country and their race. 

Farewell. — In bidding you farewell, my dear young readers, 
I hope that you may all learn from these pages to admire and 
emulate the virtues and abilities of the men and women who 
have exalted and adorned our country. Each one of you has a 
resj^onsibility toward the whole nation, and esj^ecially to that 
section to which you belong. If you perform your duties faith- 
fully as boys and girls, and make good use of your opportuni . 
ties and privileges at home and at school, you will, when you 
grow to be men and women, show that our country is still, as 



PROGRESS OP THE COUNTRY. 387 

slie lias been since Captain John Smith planted the first colony 
at Jamestown, the home of a brave, patriotic people who, walk- 
ing in the fear of God, and maintaining the true principles of free 
government, wUl prove, throughout the ages, an honor and a 
safeguard to the human race. 

Questions. — 1. Who became President, and what States were admitted 
into the Union in 1889 ? 2. What can you tell of the tariff and the cur- 
rency? 3. Who became the next President? 4. What great exposition 
took place in 1893? 5. Tell of the great strikes in 1893 and 1894. 
6. Describe the material development of the country since 1850. 7. De- 
scribe the wonderful recuperation of the South. 8. Tell of its population 
and industry. 9. Tell the effects of steam on printing. 10. Tell the effects 
of electricity upon the manufactures and arts. 11. To which do we owe 
railroads, printing presses, telegraphs, telephones, etc. 12. What has been 
the increase of schools and colleges? 13. What stand did the South take 
in the early literature of the country ? 14. Mention the principal authors 
between 1820 and 1860. 15. The writings about the civil war. 16. Men- 
tion a few Southern authors since the war. 17. What counsel is given you 
in closing this history ? 

AuTHOBiTiFS.— Schouler's History of the United States, Vol. V.; Von Holt's Constitutional History of the 
United States, Vol. VI., VII.; Rhode's History of the United States, Vol. II.; Johnston's History and Constitu- 
tion of the United States ; Ridpath's History of the United States; Fiske's History of the United States ; Dra- 
per's History of the Civil War; Conf^ressional Record; Stephen's History of the United States; Stephen 'sWar 
Between the States; Woodrow Wilson's Division and Reunion; McPherson's Political History of the Rebellion; 
S. S. Cox's Three Decades of Constitutional Legislation; Laler's Cyclopedia of Political Science; McPherson's 
History of Reconstruction ; Reports and Correspondence in Government War Records; Jefferson Davis's Rise 
and Fall of the Confederate Government ; Bledsoe's Is Davis a Traitor? Curry's Southern States ; E. A. Pollard's 
Lost Cause; Raymond's Life of Abraham Lincoln; Memoirs of Albert Sidney Johnston, by William Preston 
Johnston; General Grant's Memoirs ; Memoir of Leouidas Polk, by his Son; Dabney's Life of T. J.Jackson; 
Long's Life of Robert E. Lee ; Fitz Lee's Memoir of Robert E. Lee; Allen's Jackson's Valley Campaign ; J. E. 
Johnston's Narrative ; Memoir of General Pendleton, by his Daughter ; Taylor's Four Years with Lee ; Sher- 
man's Memoirs; Taylor's Destruction and Reconstruction; Duke's Morgan and His Men ; Hood's Advance and 
Retreat; Battles and Leaders of the Civil War; Semmes's Service Afloat; Humphrey's Virginia Campaigns: 
Memoir of Jefferson Davis, by his Widow; Dr. Craven's Prison Life of Jefferson Davis: Memoirs of Charles 
Sumner: Thurlow Weed's Autobiography; Seward's Autobiography; Bishop Wilmer's Recent Past from a 
Southern Standpoint ; T. N. Page's Old South; Contemporary Periodicals and Newspapers. 



388 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 



Events Preceding the Wak. — Effects of John Brown's raid, 1859 ; Da- 
vis's resolutions, 1860 ; election of I860; Abraham Lincoln I860; secession 
a necessity; secession of South Carolina, I860; Mr. Buchanan views; Crit- 
tenden resolutions ; different opinions at the North ; Southern leaders ; 
Southern Confederacy organized, 1861; Jefferson Davis; peace Congress, 
1861 ; the forts in the South; Fort Sumter garrisoned by the United States; 
Lincoln's inaugural address ; renewed efforts for peaceable relations ; plan 
to reinforce Fort Sumter, 1861 ; bombardinent of Sumter an act of self- 
defence ; why the struggle for Southern independence was necessary ; sla- 
very recognized by the Constitution ; views of the Southern people ; Mr. 
Lincoln's views ; slavery under the Confederacy ; war not to preserve sla- 
very. 

Beginning of the War for State Uigiits. — Seveuty-flve thousand men 
called for; other States secede ; the contest unequal from the first; Con- 
federate soldiers ; seizure of Harper's Ferry and the Gosport navy-yard ; 
first blood shed, 1861; preparation for war; difficulty of equipping the 
armies; Mr. Lincoln's proclamations; blockade; removal of Confederate 
capital to Richmond, 1861 ; greatness of the coming conflict not realized; 
enterprise at the South ; immensity of the struggle. 

Events of 1861 in Virginia. — Armies against Virginia ; first blood shed 
in Virginia; Big Bethel; Union success in West Virginia ; battle of Rich 
Moimtain ; General Johnston at Harper's Ferry ; forward movement from 
Washington ; bjittle of First Manassas, 1861 ; Stonewall Jackson ; Kirby 
Smith's opportune arrival ; rout of the Federal army ; losses in the battle ; 
astonishment at the result of the battle ; different effects of the battle ; acts 
of United States Congress ; acts of Confederate Congress ; General McClel- 
lan in command ; Ball's Bluff ; restriction of the press ; General T. J. Jack- 
son (note). 

Events OF 1861 in the We.st and Elsewhere. — Civil war in Missouri ; 
Missouri neutral ; Kentucky's position ; Bishop Polk (note) ; Columbus 
and Paducah ; East Tennessee ; battle of Belmont ; Arizona and New 
Mexico ; Port Roj'al captured by Dupont, 1861 ; futile effort at the mouth 
of the Mississippi ; threateut;d trouble with England. 

Events of 1862 in the West.— Mr. Lincoln orders a general advance ; 
Zollicoffer killed at Mill Spring ; Forts Henry and Donelson ; capture of 
Fort Henry ; importance of Fort Donelson ; gallant fighting ; fall of Don- 
elson ; results ; battle of Pea Ridge or Elkhom ; battle of Shiloh — death 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 389 

of Albert Sidney Johnston, 1862 ; end of the battle ; fall of Island No. 10 ; 
defences of New Orleans ; Federal forces in the river ; affairs in New Or- 
leans; fall of New Orleans; General B. F. Butler (note); great losses of 
the Confederates ; Confederate conscription ; changes of commanders ; 
effort to recover Tennessee and Kentucky ; Nathan B. Forrest (note) ; 
John H. Morgan (note); Bragg advances into Kentucky; battle of Rich- 
mond, Kentucky ; capture of Louisville ; Grant at luka and Corinth ; 
Bragg at Frankfort ; battle of Perry ville ; result of the campaign ; battle 
of Murfreesboro' or Stone River ; " Hell's Half -Acre " ; victory claimed by 
both sides ; Van Dom bums Grant's depot, at Holly Springs ; Confederate 
cruisers, 1862. 

Events of 1862 in Virginia. — Jackson at Bath and Romney ; McClellan 
at Centreville ; battle of Kemstown ; the armies about Yorktown ; fight at 
Williamsburg ; Seven Pines or Fair Oaks ; Jackson in the Valley ; defeat 
of Banks ; defeat of Fremont and Shields ; death of Ashby — result of cam- 
paign ; preparations for fighting at Richmond, 1862 ; Jackson summoned 
to Richmond; Stuart's ride around McClellan; J. E. B. Stuart (note); 
Seven-Days' fight ; McClellan's defeat ; Malvern Hill ; result of the Seven- 
Days' fight ; McClellan and Lincoln ; Halleck and Pope ; Cedar Mountain — 
Pope's army ; Jackson captures Manassas Jimction ; battles of Second 
Manassas ; complete victory ; losses of both sides ; McClellan superseded 
by Burnside ; on to Richmond by Fredericksburg ; fortifying at Fredericks- 
burg ; bombardment of Fredericksburg ; disparity of forces ; battle of 
Fredericksburg ; Maiye's Hill ; Hooker's reserves defeated ; result of the 
victory. 

On the Coast and in Maryland, 1862. — Capture of Roanoke Island and 
other ports ; the ram Virginia ; coming of the Monitor ; Federal ship's in the 
James ; Lee in Maryland ; Jackson at Harper's Ferry ; battle of Sharps- 
burg or Antietam ; Lee returns to Virginia. 

General View of the Situation in 1862. — Devotion of Confederate 
women ; condition of the Confederacy in 1862 ; West Virginia formed ; two 
governments in Missouri and Kentucky (note); Mr. Lincoln's view of sla- 
very in 1861 ; change of opinions; prospective emancipation, 1862; object 
of this proclamation (note) ; effects of the proclamation; emancipation, 
January 1, 1863; war prices (note); suffering in the South; exchange of 
prisoners ; war prisons ; West Virginia admitted to the Union, 1863. 

Events of 1863 in Virginia and Pennsylvania. — Hooker commanding 
in Virginia ; Lee's troops ; Hooker moves to Chancellorsville ; Lee's move ; 
Jackson's successful attack ; Jackson shot ; Renewal of the battle ; Burn- 
ing of the house and woods; Sedgwick's advance; Hooker defeated at 
Chancellorsville ; Death of Jackson (note) ; Religion in the Army of North- 
ern Virginia ; Lee moves North ; Ewell takes Winchester ; Orderly con- 
duct of Lee's army ; approach to Gettysburg ; battle of Gettysburg ; second 



390 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

day's fight ; third day's fight ; Pickett's charge ; end of the battle ; Confed- 
erate array returns to Virginia ; effects of Gettysburg ; campaign of strategy. 

Events of 1863 on the Coast and in the West. — Attack on Galveston; 
Sabine Pass; Federal advance on Charleston; Grant against Vicksburg; 
Joseph E. Johnston to defend Mississippi; Vi(?ksburg besieged; attack 
from the Federal fleet and batteries; cave life in Vicksburg (note); fam- 
ine ; the end near ; Vicksburg surnindored ; the Confederacy cut in two ; 
Sherman at Jackson ; cavalry raids ; Morgan's raid ; ]\Iorgan's capture and 
escape (note) ; Bi'agg at Chattanooga ; Federal Success in East Tennessee; 
C^hattanooga (note) ; battle of Chickamauga ; second day's fight ; forces 
and losses ; Bragg after the battle ; new Confederate position ; General 
Grant at Chattanooga; reinforcements for Grant's army: Bragg's army 
weakened ; flanking Bragg's position ; battle of Lookout ^Mountain and 
Missionary Ridge ; results of the battle ; condition of the armies in 1863. 

Events of 1864 in the West. — Sherman returns to Vicksburg ; Sherman 
at Meridian ; Forrest's victories ; capture of Fort Pillow ; battle of Mans- 
field, Louisiana; Banks retreats to New Orleans ; the armies in Georgia; 
continued flanking movements ; fighting at New Hope Church ; death of 
General Polk ; Sherman's continual advance ; Hood put in command ; at- 
tack and defeat ; Atlanta besieged; Atlanta evacuated ; Sherman in Atlanta ; 
numbers on both sides ; Hood advances into Tennessee ; Forrest's suc- 
cesses in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama; Sherman plans against 
Hood ; battle of Fi'anklin ; battle of Nashville ; results of the expedition ; 
Sherman's march to the sea ; the " bummers" (note) ; nearing Savannah; 
fall of Savannah ; wholesale destruction in Gt!orgia (note) ; Price invades 
Missouri ; Morgan's last raid and death. 

Events of 1864 in Virginia. — Kilpatrick's raid ; Grant made commander- 
in-chief ; Grant's plan ; force against Richmond ; Lee's movements ; bat- 
tles of the Wilderness ; Lee to the rear (note) ; end of the battle ; the race 
for Spotsylvania : the bloody angle ; Grant's losses ; move towards Rich- 
mond; Stuart killed at Yellow Tavern ; Sigel and Butler d«^feated ; second 
Cold Harbor; losses; Hunter's march up the Valley ; attack on Petersburg; 
Beauregard reinforced; liitrenchments; Lee's difficult task ; supplies at the 
North ; Mahone's attack ; Reams's Station ; humiliation and prayi^r (note) ; 
digging a mine ; the mine exf)l()ded ; fight at the (.'rater ; negro soldiers ; 
surrender of Federals— losses ; Sheridan against Pearly ; victoiy and defeat 
at Cedar Creek ; Sheridan's dtivastation in the Valley ; Grant on the James. 

Events of 1864 in Other Places. — Victory at Olustee, 1864 ; affairs at 
sea; tho Alabama and the Kenmarge ; the Aldhama sunV. ; destruction of 
\hQ Florida; Early sent into Maryland ; battle of Monocacj' Bridge ; Early 
before Washington ; burning of Chambersburg (note) ; Mr. Lincoln re- 
elected. 1864 ; peace negotiations ; condition of the Confederacy. 

Events of 1865 in Noriii and South Carolina.— Attacks on Fort Fisher ; 



SUMMARY FOR REVIEWS AND ESSAYS. 391 

Terry attacks Fort Fisher ; Fort Fisher taken ; Sherman's march from the 
sea ; destruction in South Carolina ; fall of Charleston ; burning of Colum- 
bia ; Sherman's charge against Hampton (note) ; Peace Conference; desti- 
tution in the South (note). 

Events of 1865 in Virginia. — Condition of Petersburg ; Lee made com- 
mander-in-chief ; Lee plans to leave Petersburg ; the Federal forces ordered 
to concentrate in Virginia ; assault on Fort Steadman ; the forces compared ; 
Sheridan's victory at Five Forks ; attack on Petersburg ; Petersburg and 
Richmond evacuated ; distress and riot in Richmond ; Mr. Lincoln visits 
Petersburg and Richmond ; exultation at the North ; Lee's retreat ; delay 
at Amelia Courthouse ; Grant in pursuit ; Ewell attacked at Sailor's Creek ; 
at Farmville ; at Appomattox, April 8, 1865 ; first steps towards surrender ; 
meeting of Grant and Lee, April 9, 1865 ; the terms of surrender ; departure of 
Lee and Grant ; the soldiers after the surrender (note) ; end of the war — num- 
bers engaged ; Mr. Lincoln's plan to receive States back into the Union ; 
assassination of President Lincoln ; effect of Mr. Lincoln's murder ; fate of 
the South ; funeral honors to Mr. Lincoln ; Mr. Davis after the surrender ; 
his capture ; imprisonment of Mr. Davis ; fjuffered for the whole South ; Mr. 
Davis's later life; his death and interment (note). 

Rkoonsteuction in the South, 1865-1876. — Condition of the country ; 
courage of the Southerners under defeat ; General Lee becomes a college 
president; submission to Federal laws ; Andrew Johnson's position ; John- 
son's amnesty proclamation ; Thirteenth Amendment ; laws to regulate 
labor ; appointment of a Committee on Reconstruction ; Congress and the 
President disagree ; Freedmen's Bureau ; Mr. Johnson's vetoes ; Four- 
teenth Amendment ; reception of the Fourteenth Amendment ; Strife be- 
tween the President and Congress ; Reconstruction CJommittee, 1866 ; mili- 
tary districts in the South; bills passed, 1867; the iron-clad oath; "car- 
pet-baggers" and "scalawags" (note); impeachment of the President in 
1868; his acquittal; re-admission of States, 18G8 ; General Grant's elec- 
tion, 1868 ; Fifteenth Amendment ; oppression under the reconstructed 
governments; ofiBces filled by "carpet-baggers" and negroes; evils in- 
creased by Freedmen's Bureau (note) ; Loyal Leagues ; patient submission 
impossible; secret societies ; " Ku-Klux Klan " ; oppression and tyranny; 
affairs in Louisiana (note) ; Force Bill ; effects of reconstruction rule. 

Principal Events in the CouNTiev Sinoe the War. — Atlantic telegraph, 
1866 ; purchase of Alaska, 1867 ; execution of Maximilian, 1867 ; first Pa- 
cific raikoad, 1869 ; first Chinese Embassy, 1868 (note) ; price of gold, 1869 ; 
" Black Friday" in Wall street, 1869 ; internal revenue ; death of General 
Robert E. Lee, 1870 ; settlement of the Alabama claims ; great fires of 1871 
and 1872; Credit Mobilier ; financial crash of 1873; re-election of General 
Grant, 1872; civil service reform, 1871; Modoc War, 1873; Sioux Wnr, 
1876; Centennial Exposition, 1876 ; Colorado the Centennial State ; Tlldon 



392 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

and Hayes, 1876 ; two governments in Louisiana and South Carolina ; elec- 
toral votes disputed ; electoral commission ; election of Hayes : the South 
after Hayes's election ; strife between labor and capital ; railroad strikes 
in 1877; specie payments resumed, 1879 ; Garfield becomes President; shot 
byGuiteau in 1881 ; Centennial celebration at Yorktown, 1881 ; unfortunate 
Arctic expeditions ; Grover Cleveland President, 1885-1889 ; labor troubles ; 
Anarchists. 1886; earthquake, 1886; Benjamin HaiTison President, 1S89~ 
1893; the tariff and the currency ; second election of Cleveland, 1892 ; Co- 
lumbian Exposition, 1898; strike in Chicago ; railroads stopped. 

Genekai, View of the Country. — Progress since 1850 ; material develop- 
ment ; wonderful recuperation of the South : population and industry ; rail- 
roads ; steam ; electricity ; increase of schools and colleges ; the South in 
early literature; American authors from 1820-1860; writings about the 
Civil War ; a few Southern authors since 1865 ; farewell. 



THE DECLARATION OP INDEPENDENCE. 393 



THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. 
The TJnanlnious Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. 



When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one peo- 
ple to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, 
and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal sta- 
tion to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent 
respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the 
causes which impel them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident ; that all men are created equal ; 
that they are endowed by their CJreator with certain unalienable rights ; 
that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to 
secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just 
powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of 
government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people 
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute anew government, laying its founda- 
tion on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them 
shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, in- 
deed, will dictate, that governments long established should not be changed 
for light and transient causes ; and, accordingly, all experience hath shown 
that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than 
to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 
But when a long train of abuses and usui'pations, pursuing invariably the 
same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is 
their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide 
new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient suffer- 
ance of these colonies, and such is now the necessity which constrains 
them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the 
present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpa- 
tions, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny 
over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world : 

He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for 
the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing 
importance, unless suspended in their operations till his assent should be 
obtained ; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to 
them. 

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large dis- 
tricts of people, unless those people would relin(iuish the right of repre- 
sentation in the legislature — a right inestimable to them, and formidable 
to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfort- 
able, and distant from the depositorj" of their public records, for the Sol^ 
purpose of fatiguing them into eompliauce with his measufeg, 



894 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

II(^ has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing, with 
manly lirmuess, his Invasions on the rights of the people. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause others 
to be elected, whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, 
have returned to the i)eople at large for their exercise; the State renuiiuing, 
in the meantime, exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without and 
convidsions within. 

He has endeavoi-ed to prevent the population of these States; for that 
purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to 
pass others to encourag*^ tlieir migration hither, and raising the conditions 
of new appropriations of lands. 

He ha.9 obstructed the administration of justice by refusing his assent to 
laws for establishing the judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their 
offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erectiKl a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of offi- 
cers to harass our people and eat out their substance. 

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the 
consent of oiu- legislatures. 

He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the 
civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our 
Constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their 
acts of pretended legislation : 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us ; 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders 
which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States; 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world ; 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent ; 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury; 

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences ; 

For abolishing the fn;o system of English laws in a neighboring province, 
establishing therein an arbitraiy governincuit, and enlarging its boundaries, 
so as to render it at on(!e an example and fit instrument for introducing the 
same absolute rule into these colonies ; 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and 
altering, fundamentally, the forms of our governments ; 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested 
with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here by declaring us out of his protection, 
and waging war against us. 

He has jjlundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and de- 
stroyed the lives of our people. 

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to 
complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with 
circumstances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleUKl in most barbarous 
ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to 
bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends 
and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 

H<» has excited domestic insurrections among.st us, and has endeavored 
to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, 
wliose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, 
sexes, and couditioos. 



THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 395 

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the 
most hunible terms ; our repeated petitions have been answered only by re- 
peated injury.. A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which 
may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We 
have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legislature to 
extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of 
the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have ap- 
pealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them, 
by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which 
wouM inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They, too, 
have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, there- 
fore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold 
them, as we hold the rest of mankind — enemies in war; in peace, friends. 

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in 
General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world 
for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by authority of the 
good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare. That these 
united colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free mid Independent States; 
that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all 
political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and 
ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as Free and Independent States, 
they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, estab- 
lish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which Independent States 
may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm 
reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to 
each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. 

JOHN HANCOCK. 

New Hami'shire.— Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thorn- 
ton. 

MAssAcnusETTs Bay.— Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, 
El bridge Geriy. 

Rhode Island, Etc. — Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery. 

C;oNNECTicuT. — Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William AVilliams, 
Oliver Wolcott. 

New York. — William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis 
Morris. 

New Jersey.— Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, 
Jolm Hart, Abraham (^lark. 

Pennsylvania. — Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush. Benjamin Franklin, 
John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, 
George Ross. 

Delaware. — Ctesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas M'Kean. 

IVLvRYLAND.— Samuel Chase, William Paea, Thomas Stone, Charles Car- 
roll, of Carrollton. 

Virginia.— George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Ben- 
jamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Brax- 
ton. 

North Carolina.— William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn. 

South Carolina.— Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas 
Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton. 

Georgia.— Button Gwlnaett, Lymaa Hall, George Walton. 



396 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF 
AMERICA. 



We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect 
union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the com- 
mon defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of lib- 
erty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitu- 
tion for the United States of America. 

ARTICLE I. Section 1. — All legislative powers herein granted shall 
be vesi;ed in a Congress of the United States ; which shall consist of a Sen- 
ate and House of Representatives. 

Section 2. — 1. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem- 
bers chosen every second year bj^ the people of the several States; and the 
electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of 
the most numerous branch of the State legislature. 

2. No person shall be a Repr(^sentative who shall not have attained to 
the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State in 
which he shall bo chosen. 

3. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the seve- 
ral States which may be included within this Union, according to their re- 
spective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole num- 
ber of free persons, including those bound to sei-vice for a term of years, and 
excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual 
enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the 
Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten 
years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The number of Repre- 
sentatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each State 
shall have at least one Representative ; and until such enumeration shall 
be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three ; 
Massachusetts, eight ; Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, one ; Con- 
necticut, five; New York, six; New Jersey, four; Pennsylvania, eight; 
Delaware , one ; Maryland, six; Virginia, ten ; North Carolina, five; South 
Carolina, five; and Georgia, three. 

4. When vacancies happen in the representation from anj' State, the ex- 
eciitivti authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. 

5. The House of Representatives shall choose their S{)eaker and other 
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Section 3. — 1. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two 
Senators from (\ach State, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years ; 
and each Senator shall have one vote. 

2. Immediatt^ly after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first 
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be, into three classes. The 
seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of 
the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, 
and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third 
may be choseJi every second year ; and if vaea.ncies happen, by resignation 
or otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of any State, the JSxecu- 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 397 

tive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of 
the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

3. No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age 
of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States and who 
shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which he shall be 
chosen. 

4. The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the Sen- 
ate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. 

5. The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president pro 
tempore, in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise the 
office of President of the United States. 

6. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When 
sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 
President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside; 
and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of 
the members present. 

7. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to 
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of 
honor, trust, or profit, under the United States ; but the party convicted 
shall nevertheless be lialjle and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and 
punishment, according to law. 

Section 4. — 1. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for 
Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each State by the legis- 
lature thereof; but the Congress may, at any time, by law, make or alter 
such regulation, except as to the places of choosing Senators. 

3. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such 
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law 
appoint a different day. 

Section 5. — 1. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns, 
and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall consti- 
tute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjoiu'n from day 
to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members 
in such manner and under such penalties as each House may provide. 

2. Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its 
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, 
expel a member. 

3. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to 
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment re- 
quire secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either House, on 
any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered 
on the journal. 

4. Neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the eon- 
sent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place 
than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. 

Section 6. — 1. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compen- 
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treas- 
ury of the United States. They shall, in all cases except treason, felony, 
and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance 
at the session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from 
the same ; and for any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be 
questioned in any other place. 

2. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was 
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United 
States which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have 



398 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

been increased, during such time; and no person holding any office under 
the United States shall be a member of either House during his continuance 
in office. 

Section 7. — 1. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House 
of Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amend- 
hients, as on other bills. 

2. Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and 
the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of 
the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not ho shall return 
it with his objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who 
shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to recon- 
sider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of that House shall agree 
to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other 
House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two- 
thirds of that House, it shall become a law. But in all such cases the votes 
of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the 
])ersons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal ol 
each House respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the President 
within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to 
him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless 
the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case it 
shall not be a law. 

3. Every ordtn-, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the Sen- 
ate and House of R<^presentatives may be necessaiy (except on a question 
of adjournment ) shall be presented to the President of the United States. 
and before the same shall take effect shall ba approved ])y him, or, being 
'lisapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thinis of the Senate and 
House of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed 
ill the case of a hWl. 

Section. 8. — The Congress shall have power — 

1. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to i)ay the debts 
and provi<lo for the common defence and general vrelfare of the United 
States; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout 
the United States ; 

2. To borrow money on the credit of the United States; 

3. To r<\i<ulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several 
States, ami with the Indian tribes; 

4. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on thf 
subject of baiikrupt<'y throughout the United States ; 

5. To coin montiy, regulate the value thereof and of foreign coin, and fix 
the standard of weights and measures ; 

6. To [)rovide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and cur- 
rent coin of the United States ; 

7. To establish post-offices and post-roads ; 

8. To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for 
limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respect- 
ive writings and discoveries ; 

9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Coml ; 

10. To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
seas, and offences against the law of nations; 

11. To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules 
concerning captures on land and water ; 

12. To raise and support armies; but no appropriation of money to that 
use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 399 

13. To provide and maintain a navy ; 

14. To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces; 

15. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrection, and repel invasions; 

10. To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the 
United States, reserving to the States respectively the appointment of the 
officers and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline 
prescribed by Congress ; 

17. To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over such 
district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular 
States and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government 
of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places pur- 
chased by the consent of the legislature of the State in which the same shall 
be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, and other need- 
ful buildings ; and, 

18. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for cari-ying 
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this 
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department 
or officer thereof. 

Section 9. — 1. The migration or importation of such persons as any of 
the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohiltited 
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, 
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten 
dollars for each person. 

2. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless when in cases of rebellion or Invasion the public safety may re- 
quire it. 

3. No bill of attainder or ex jwst facto law shall be passed. 

4. No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to 
the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

5. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State. No 
preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the 
ports of one State over those of anotiier ; nor shall vessels bound to or 
from one State be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. 

6. No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of the 
receipts and expenditures of all public money shall lie published from time 
to time. 

7. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ; and no per- 
son holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the 
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, 
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. 

Section 10. — 1. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confed- 
eration ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of 
credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of 
debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, or graut any title of nobility. 

2. No State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts 
or duties on imports or exports except what may be absolutely necessary 
for executing its inspection laws ; and the net produce of all duties and 
imposts laid by any State on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the 
Treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the 



400 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

revision and conti-ol of the Congress. No State shall, without the consent 
of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time 
of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State or with 
a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such im- 
minent danger as will not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE II. Section 1. — 1. The executive power shall be vested in a 
President of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during 
tlie term of four years, and, together with the Vice-President, chosen for 
the same terra, be elected as follows : 

2. Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of Electors e(|ual to tht; whole number of Senators 
ami Kepresentatives to which the State may bti entitled in the Congress ; 
but no Senator or Representativ*?, or person lioldiiig an office of trust or 
profit under the United States, shall be api)ointed an Elector. 

Clause 3 has been sujierseded hy the 12th Article i>f AmendmenU. 

4. The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and 
the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same 
throughout the United States. 

5. No person except a natiu'al-born citizen, or a citizen of the United 
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to 
the office of President, neither shall any person be eligible to that office 
who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been four- 
teen years a resident within the United States. 

6. In case of the removal of the Presidtuit from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office, 
tlie same shall devolve on the Vice-President ; and the Congress may by law 
provide for the case of removal, death, resignation , or inability, both of the 
Pn^sident and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as Presi- 
dent, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed 
or a President shall be elected. 

7. The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com- 
pensation, which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the period 
for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not rec^eive within that 
period any other emolument from the United States, or any of them. 

8. Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the follow- 
ing oath or affirmation : 

" I do solenmly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office 
of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, pre- 
serve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Section 2. — 1. The President shall be (;ommander-in-chief of the army 
and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several States when 
culled into the actual service of the Unit»^d States ; he may require the 
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive depait- 
ments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective olTices, 
and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against 
the United States, except in cases of impeacliment. 

2. He shall have power, bj- and with thi' advice and consent of the Sen- 
ate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur; 
and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Sen- 
ate, shall appoint Embassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges 
of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose 
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be es- 
tablished by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of 
such inferior oliicfis us tliey think propter, in the President alone, in the 
Comts of law, or in the heads of Depaxlments. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 401 

3. The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen 
during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire 
at the end of their next session. 

Section 3. — He shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information 
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea- 
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may, on extraordinary 
occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree- 
ment between them with respect to the time of adjournment, he may 
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, he shall receive Embas- 
sadors and otlier public Ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be faith- 
fully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States. 

Section 4. — The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the 
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, or convic- 
tion of, treason, bribery^, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE III.— Section 1. The judicial power of the United States shall 
be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior C'ourts as the Congress 
may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Su- 
preme and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and 
shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation which shall 
not be diminished during their continuance in office. 

Section 2. — 1. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and 
equity arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and 
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority; to all cases 
affecting Embassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls ; to all cases of 
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a paity ; to controversies between two or more States; be- 
tween a State and citizens of another State ; between citizens of different 
States ; between citizens of the same State claiming lands under grants of 
different States ; and between a State, or citizen thereof, and foreign states, 
citizens, or subjects. 

2. In all cases affecting Embassadors, other public Ministers, and Con- 
suls, and those in which a State shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall 
have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the 
Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, 
with such exceptions and under such regulations as the Congress shall 
make. 

3. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by 
jury; and such trial shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall 
have been committed ; but when not committed within any State, the trial 
shall be at such place or places as the Congiess may by law have directed. 

Section 3. — 1. Treason against the United States shall consist only in 
levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid 
.and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testi- 
mony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. 

2. The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, 
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, 
except during the life of the person attainted. 

ARTICLE IV. — Section 1. — Full faith and credit shall be given in each 
State to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other 
State. And the Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in 
which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect 
thereof. 

Section 2. — 1 . The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges 
and immunities of citizens of the several States. 

26 



402 BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

2. A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, 
who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall, on demand 
of the executive authority of the State from which he lied, be delivered up, 
to be removed to the State ha\'iug jurisdiction of t\m crime. 

3. No person held to sei-vice or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, 
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, 
be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim 
of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Section 3. — 1. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this 
Union ; l^ut no new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction 
of any other State ; nor any State be formed by the junction of two or more 
States, or parts of States, without the consent of the legislatures of the 
States concerned as well as of the Congress. 

2. The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to 
the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as 
to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular State. 

Sec;tion 4.— The United Stat<}s shall guarantee to every State in this 
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them 
against invasion; and on application of the legislatm'e, or of the Executive 
(when the legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence. 

ARTICLE, v.— The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both lloustfs shall 
deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on 
the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall 
call a (H)nvention for proposing Amendments, which, in either case, shall be 
valid to all intents and purpost« as part of this (constitution, when ratified 
by the legislature's of three-fouiths of the several States, or by conventions 
in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be 
proposed by the Congress; provided that no Amendment which maybe 
made prior to the year one thousand eigiit hundred and eight shall in any 
manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first 
article ; and that no State, witliout its consent, shall be deprived of its 
equal suffrage in the Senate. 

ARTICLE VI.— 1. All debts contracted and engagements entered into, 
before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the 
United States under this Constitution as under the Confederation. 

2. This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be 
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, 
under tiie authority of the United Suites, shall be the supreme law of the 
land; and the judges in every State sliall be bound thereby, anything in 
the Constitution cr laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding. 

3. Th*! Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members 
of the sevt^ral State legislatures, and all exwutivt^ and judicial officer's, both 
of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or 
affirmation to support this Constitutioir ; but no religious test shall ever be 
required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the Uriited 
States. 

ARTICLE VII.— The ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall 
be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between the States 
so ratifying the same. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 403 



AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. 

ARTICLE I. — Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment 
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the free- 
dom of speech or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to 
assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

ARTICLE II. — A well-regulated militia being necessary to the secmity 
of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be 
infringed. 

ARTICLE III. — No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any 
house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a man- 
ner to be prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE IV.— The right of the people to be secure in their persons, 
houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, 
shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause 
supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to 
be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. 

ARTICLE v. — No person shall be held to answer for a capital or other- 
wise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand 
jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia 
when in actual service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any per- 
son be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or 
limb ; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against 
himself ; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process 
of law ; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just 
compensation. 

ARTICLE VI. — In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the 
right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and 
district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall 
have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature 
and cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against 
him ; to have compulsoiy process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and 
to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. 

ARTICLE VII. — In suits at common law where the value in controversy 
shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, 
and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of 
the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. 

ARTICLE VIII. — Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive 
fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

ARTICLE IX. — The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights 
shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained bj^ the people. 

ARTICLE X. — The powers not delegated to the United States by the 
Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States 
respectively, or to the people. 

ARTICLE XL— The judicial power of the United States shall not be 
construed k) extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted 
against one of the United States by citizens of another State, or by citizens 
or subjects of any foreign state. 

ARTICLE XII.— The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and 
vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall 
not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves ; they shall name in 



404 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the 
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all 
persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-Presi- 
dent, and of the number of votes for each, which lists th»^y shall sign and 
certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United 
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Sen- 
ate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open 
all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted ; the person having 
the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President, if such 
number he a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed : and if no 
person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest num- 
bers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted for as President, the 
House of Representatives shall choose immediately, bj' ballot, the Presi- 
dent. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, 
the representation from each State having one vote ; a cjuonuu for this pur- 
pose shall consist of a number of members from two-thirds of the Stat<?s, 
and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice. And if the 
House of Representatives shall not choose a President, whenever the right 
of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next fol- 
lowing, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the 
death or other constitutional disability of the President. The person having 
the greatest number of votes as Vice-President shall be the Vice-Presid«;nt, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest mnnbcrs on the 
list the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the jiurpose 
shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority 
of the whole numlxsr shall be necessarj^ to a choice. But no jierson consti- 
tutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of 
Vice-President of the United States. 

ARTICLE Xni. — 1. Neither slavery nor involuntai-y sei-vitude, except 
as a punishment for crime, whereof the pailj' shall have been duly con- 
victed, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their 
jurisdiction. 

2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legis- 
lation. 

ARTICLE XIV. — 1. All persons born or naturaliz«»d in the United Stiites, 
and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the UnRod States and 
of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforct* any law 
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citiztuis of the United 
States ; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, 
without due; process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction 
the equal protection of the laws. 

2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States accord- 
ing to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in 
each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any 
election for the choice Electors for PresidtMit and Vice-President of the 
United States, Representatives in ('ongress, the executive and judicial offi- 
cers of a State, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any 
of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and 
citizens of the Unit«xl States, or in any way abridged, except for participa- 
tion in rebellion or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be 
reduced in the proportion which the number of such mah^ citizens shall bear 
to the whole number of mah' citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. 

3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or Elector 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 405 

of President or Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the 
United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a 
member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member 
of any State legislature, or as executive or Judicial officer of any State, to 
support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insur- 
rection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies 
thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove 
such disability. 

4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, 
including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services 
in suppressing insurrection or rebellion , shall not be questioned. But neither 
the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation 
incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any 
claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave ; but all such debts, obliga- 
tions, and claims shall be held illegal and void. 

5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, 
the provisions of this article. 

ARTICLE XV.— 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote 
shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on 
account of race, color, or previous condition or servitude. 

2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate 
legislation. 



406 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS. 



Alabama, sinking of the, 338. 

Adams, John, 157. 

Adams, John Quincy, 183. 

" A Fair Mark— Shoot! " 46. 

Alamo, The, 193. 

Anderson, J. P., Maj.-Gen. C. S. A., 

311. 
Atlanta and vicinity (map), 320. 
Attacked by Indians, 37. 

B. 

Battle of King's Mountain, 142. 

Battle of Murfreesboro', 281. 

Battle of New Orleans, 177. 

Beauregard, P. G. T., Lieut.-Geu. 
C. S. A., 228. 

Bee, Barnard E., Brig.-Qeu. C. S. 
A., 241. 

Bienville, 81. 

Battle-fields in the Caroliuas, 140. 

Battle of Big Bethel, 238. 

Boone, Daniel, 99. 

Breckinridge, John C, Vice-Presi- 
dent with Buchanan, Secretarj' 
of War in Confederate Cabinet, 
Maj. -General C. W. A., 306. 

Brooke, John Mercer, Com. C. S. 
N.,257. 

Buchanan, Franklin, Admiral C. S. 
N., 258. 

Bunker Hill (map), 109. 

Burgoyne's route, 123. 

Burning of Holly Springs, 282. 

Burnside, A. E., Maj.-Gen. U. S. 



A., 272. 
Butler, M. C. 
335. 



Maj.-Gen. C. S. A. 



Calhoun, John Caldwell, 187. 
Capitol (west front), 375. 
Capture of Fort Pillow, 312. 



Capture of Mr. Davis, 355. 
C'harleston, Siege of (map), 118. 
Cheatham, B. F., Maj.-Gen. C. S. 

A., 325. 
(larke, George Rogers, 131. 
Clarke's March to Vincennes, 133. 
Capt. Molly, 128. 
Camp of Instruction, 234. 
Clay, Henry, 180. 
Cleburne, P. R., Maj.-Gen. C. S. A., 

325. 
Cleveland, Grover, 380. 
Cobb, Howell, Maj.-Gen. C. S. A., 

322. 
Columbia, Destruction of, 343. 
Columbus, 10. 

Coming of Lord Delaware, 28. 
Confederate Battle Flag, 240. 
Confederate Flag, 237. 
Confederate States (map), between 

pp. 234 and 235. 
Cooper, Samuel, Adj. -Gen. C. S. A., 

332, 
Cumberland, Sinking of, 257. 



Davis, Jefferson, 224. 
Decatur, Com. Stephen, 171. 
Dc^struction of Columbia, 343. 
Discovery of Gold, 199. 
Drake, Sir Francis, 21. 

E. 

Early, Jubal A., Lieut.-Gen. C. S. 

A., 290. 
Early Settlements in New England 

(map), 39. 
Eliot, John, 50. 
Evans, N. G., Brig.-Gen. C. S. A., 

316. 
Ewell, Richard S., Lieut.-Geu. C. S. 

A., 268. 



LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS. 



407 



Exile of the Acadians, 85. 
Explosion at the Crater, 330. 

F. 

Forrest, Nathan B., Lieut.-Gen. C. 

S. A. , 278. 
Fort Hill, Home of Calhoun, 205. 
Fort Pillow, Capture of, 312. 
Franklin, Benjamin, 97. 
Fair-Mark, 40. 

G. 

Garfield, James A. , 379. 

Ganiett, R. S., Brig.-Gen. C. S. A.. 

239. 
Gettysburg (map), 294. 
Gordon, J. B. , Lieut.-Gen. C. S. A., 

345. 
Grant, U. S., Commander-in-chief 

U. S. A., 314. 



Half-Moon, on the Hudson, 28. 
Halleck, H. W., Maj.-Geu. U. S. A., 

247. 
Hamilton, Alexander, 168. 
Hampton, Wade, Lieut.-Gen. C. S. 

A., 342. 
Hancock, W. S., MaJ.-Gen. U. S. 

A. , 297. 
Hardee, W. J., Lieut.-Gen. C. S. 

A. , 335. 
Harrison, Benjamin, 382. 
Harrison, Gen. Wm. Henry, 175. 
Hars'ard College, 1895, 62. 
Hayne, Robert Young, 186. 
Henry, Patrick, 93. 
Hermitage, Home of Andrew Jack- 
son, 188. 
Hidden Foe, The, 40. 
Hill, Ambrose P., Lieut-Gen. C. S. 

A., 271. 
Hooker, Joseph, Maj. -Gen. U. S. A., 

274. 
Houston, Gen. Samuel, 194. 



Indian Attack, 37. 

Indian Mound in West Virginia, 19. 

Indian Tribes (map), between pp. 16 

and 17. 
Indian Village, 17. 



J. 

Jackson, Gen. Andrew, 176. 

Jackson Monument, 292. 

Jackson, T. J., Lieut.-Gen. C. S. A., 

with autograph, 245. 
Jefferson, Thomas, 117. 
Johnston, Albert Sidney, Gen. C. S. 

A., 254. 
Johnston, Joseph E.,Gen. C. S. A., 

239. 

K. 

Kershaw, J. B. , Maj. -Gen. C. S. A., 
333. 

L. 

Lafayette, 147. 

Lake George (map), 87. 

Landing of Columbus, 12. 

Leaving Home, 233. 

Lee, Fitzhugh, Maj. -Gen. C. S. A., 

350. 
Lee, Henry, 137. 
Lee Leaving Appomattox, 352. 
Lee, Richard Henry, 116. 
Lee, Robert E. , Commander-in-chief 

C. S. A., with autograph, 261. 
Lee, Stephen D., Lieut.-Gen. C. S. 

A., 311. 
Lincoln, Abraham, 220. 
Locke, John, 53. 

M. 

McClellan, George B. , Maj. -Gen. U. 
S. A., 266. 

Manassas, Turn of the Tide, 243. 

Mecklenburg Declaration, 115. 

Madison, James, 150. 

Marion, Francis, 137. 

Marion's Diimer to the British Offi- 
cer, 143. 

Marshall. John, 167. 

Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 208. 

Meade, G. G., Maj-Gen. U. S. A., 
295. 

Mine Exploded at Petersburg, 330. 

Monroe, James, 179. 

Montcalm, 89. 

Monticello, the Home of Jefferson, 
148. 

Morgan, Daniel, HI. 

N. 

New Orleans, Battle of, 177. 



408 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



O. 

Oglethorpe, James Edward, 77. 
Old Church Tower at Jamestown, GO. 
Old South Church, 57. 
Osceola, 188. 

P. 

Pendleton, Wm. N., Brig. -Gen., C. 

S. A. , 270. 
Penn, William. 54. 
Pegram. W. J., 346. 
Penn's Treaty, 55. 
Petersburg Crater, 330. 
Petersburg to Appomattox (map) 

349. 
Philadelphia and Vicinity ( map ) , 55. 
Pickett, G E., MaJ.-Gen. C. S. A., 

296. 
Pike, Albert, Brig. -Gen. C. S. A., 

254. 
Pittsburg and Vicinity (map), 83. 
Polk, James Knox, 195. 
Polk, Leonidas, Lieut. -Gen. C. S. 

A., 248. 
Price, Sterling, Maj.-Gen. C. S. A. 

279. 

a. 

Quebec, Siege of, (map), 88. 
Queen Elizabeth, 21. 

R. 

Raleigh, Sir Walter, 22. 
Reception by President and Mrs. 

Davis, 235. 
Return of the Mayflower, 32. 
Rosecraus, W. S., Maj.-Gen. U. S. 

A. , 304. 
Ruins of Ticonderoga, 106. 
Rutledge, Governor, 119. 

S. 

Scott, Gen. Winfield, 197. 
Semmes, Raphael. Rear- Admiral C. 

S. N., 334. 
Settlement of Savannah in 1733, 76. 
Seven Days' Battles (map), 265. 
Smith Exploring the Chesapeake, 24. 
Sinking of the ('umherland, 257. 
Smith, E. Kirby,Gen. C. 8. A., 279. 
Smith, Capt. John, 23. 



Spotswood crossing the Blue Ridge, 

73. 
Stephens, Alexander H., 223. 
St. John's Church, 105. 
Stuart. J. E. B., Lieut. -Gen. C. S. 

A., 264. 
Siege of Yorktown, 149. 

T. 

Taylor, Richard, Lieut.-Gen. C. S. 

A., 313. 
Taylor, Gen. Zachary, 202. 
Tecumseh, 173. 

Thirteen Original States (map), 101 
Ticonderoga, Ruins of, 106. 
Trenton (map), 121. 
Tyler, John, 192. 



United States (map), between pp. 

200 and 201. 
United States Flag, 247. 



Van Bm-en, Martin, 190. 
Virginia attacking the Federal 
Fleet, The, 257. 

W. 

Washington, George (frontispiece). 
Washington's Birthplace. 108. 
Washington's Route (map), 83. 
Washington taking command of the 

Army, 107. 
Webster. Daniel, 186. 
Wesley, John, 77. 
Wharton, J. A., Maj.-Gen. C. S. A., 

280. 
Wheeler, Joseph, Lieut.-Gen. C. S. 

A.. 341. 
Whitfield, George, 78. 
William and Mary College founded 

1693, 74. 
AVolfe, Gen. James, 88. 
Wreck on the Bermudas, 25. 



Yorktown, vicinity of (map), 149. 



Zollicoffer, F. K., Brig.-Gen. C. S. 
A., 251. 



INDEX. 



409 



INDEX. 



Abberton's Resolutions, 190. 
Abercrombie, General, 87. 
Abolitionists. Petitions of, 163, 187. 
Acadians, Exile of, 85. 
Adams, John, President, 117, 167, 

184. 
Adams, John Quiucy, President, 

183, 187. 
Alabama becomes a State, 180, re- 
admitted, 373. 
Alabama, The, 28>, 337; claims, 873. 
Alaska, purchase of, 371 , 
Alien and Sedition Laws, 167. 
Allen, Ethan, 106. 
Algonquins, 19. 
America, discovery of, 10, 12 ; South, 

13 ; North, 13 ; name of 13. 
American Revolution, Cause of, 92. 
American System, 185. 
Amelia Courthouse, 349. 
Amendment XIII., 360; XIV., 362; 

XV., 366. 
Andre, Execution of, 138. 
Andi'os, 57. 

Annapolis Convention, 157. 
Apaches, 16. 

Appomattox, Lee at, 350; meeting 
of Grant and Lee, 351 ; surren- 
der, 351. 
Arizona, 18. 

Arkansas becomes a State, 189 ; re- 
admitted. 366. 
Arnold, Benedict, 111, 112, 136. 138, 

139. 
Army of Occupation, 195. 
Armies, three in Mexico, 196. 
Armies, 1864, size of, 323. 
Ashby, General, death of, 263. 
Assassination of President Lincoln, 

354. 
Atlanta, siege of, 322, 323. 
Atlantic Telegraph, 371. 
Athabascans, 16. 
Aztecs, 18. 

Bacon, Nathaniel, rebellion, 45-46- 
47; defeats Indians at Bloody 
Run, 48. 



Bacon, Nathaniel, death of, 48. 

Bahamas, discovery of, 12. 

Balboa's, discovery, 14. 

Ball's Bluff, 244. 

Banks, General, 262, 263, 268, 312, 

316. 
Baltimore, Lord, 30, 49. 
Battles of 1813, 174. 175. 
Beauregard, General, 228, 240, 254, 

277, 288, 327. 
Belmont, battle of, 249. 
Bennington, battle of, 124. 
Berkeley, Sir Wm., 36, 38,43,45, 

46, 47, 48. 
Beverley, Robert, fate of, 58. 
Bienville, 82. 
Biloxi, settlement at, 56. 
Big Bethel, 239. 
Bill of Rights, 117. 
Black Friday, 372. 
Black Hawk War, 188. 
Blackstocks, Tarleton defeated at, 

142. 
Blockade, 235. 
Bloody Angle, The, 316. 
Boone, Daniel, 99. 
Booth, John Wilkes, 354, 355. 
Boston, Tea Party, 96; attack on, 

112. 
Bouquet's victory, 90. 
Braddock's defeat, 85, 86. 
Bragg, General, 277, 278, 280, 304, 

307. 
Brandy wine, battle of, 123. 
Breed's Hill, 109. 
Breckinridge, J. C, 220, 242, 318. 
Brooke, John Mercer, 257. 
Brown, John, in Kansas, 207. 
Brown John, raid, 212, 213, 214. 
Buchanan, James, 209. 
Buckner, General, 248, 253. 
Buell, General, 253, 279, 280. 
Buena Vista, battle of, 197. 
Bummers, 334. 

Buruside, General, 271, 272, 305,315. 
Burgoyne, invasion of New York, 

123, 125. 



410 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



Burr Aaron, 170, 171. 

Bunker Hill, battle of, 109. 111. 

Butler, General B. F , 238. 276, 340. 

Cabot, John and Sebastian, 13. 

Cabral 14 

Calhoun, John C, 186, 203, 204. 

California, 196, 199, 203. 

Calvert, 30-^31. 

Camden, battle of, 139. 

Campaign of strategy, 298. 

Canonchet, 51. 

Carolinas, 13, 52. 

Carpet-baggers and scalawags, 364. 

C^artier, Jacques, 14. 

Cavaliers, education among, 60. 

Catastrophe on Princeton, 192. 

Cedar Creek, battle of, 333. 

Cedar Mountain, battle of, 268. 

Centennial Exposition, 376. 

Cerro Gordo, Pass of, 198. 

Chambersburg. burning of, 332. 

Chaniplain, 64. 

Chancellorsvill(>, battle of, 289-292. 

Charleston, 118, 119. 136, 288-342. 

Chapultepec, 198. 

Charter Oak, 57 58. 

Cherokees, 19, 129, 130, 183. 

Chicago, strike in, 373 382 ; fire, 373. 

Chickamauga, battle of, 305, 306. 

Chinese Embassy, 372. 

Chippewa, battle of, 176. 

Churches, advan(;e of, 169. 

Cincinnati, Society of, 151. 

Civil Service Reform, 374. 

Clarke, George Rogers, 104, 131-133. 

Clay, Heniy, 183, 186, 205. 

Cleveland, Qrover, President, 380, 
382. 

Clinton, Sir Henry. 125, 137. 

Coal, anthracite, first used, 168. 

Cold Harbor, battle of, 318. 

Colonies, condition of, under Wil- 
liam and Mary, 64, 59-64, 97. 

Colonial Wars. 83. 89. 

Colorado admitted, 376. 

Columbia, burning of, 342. 

Columbian Exposition, 382. 

Columbus, Christopher, 10-11-12- 
13. 

Columbus, Ky., 248, 253. 

Committees of Correspondence, 96. 

Condition of armies, 1863, 309. 

Condition of the country in 1865, 
358. 



Confederation of 1774, 156. 

C'onnecticut, 35-50. 

Confederacy, Southern, coiLScription, 
277; Acts of Congress, 244; 
cruisers, 282 ; condition of, 339. 

Confederate soldiers, 232-233; loss- 
es, 277. 

Congress. 1st Contuiental 101-107. 
1st Federal, 162. 

Constitution, signed and ratified, 
160. 

Constitutional Government, 161 ; 
rights, 202. 

Corinth, battle of. 279. 

Coniwallis, 122. 144, 145, 147, 150. 

Courage of the Southerners in de- 
feat, 358. 

Cowpens, battle of, 143. 

Credit Mobilier, 373. 

Culpeper, Governor of Virginia, 48. 

Dahlgren, Colonel Ulrie, 313. 

Dale, Sir Thomas, 26. 

Dare, Virginia, 21. 

Davis, Jefferson, 188, 197, 224 : after 
the surrender, 355, 356 ; impris- 
onment of, 357. 

Davis's Resolutions, 219. 

Decatur. Stephen, 170, 172. 

De Grasse, Comte, 150. 

De Kalb, Baron. 122. 189. 

Delaware. Lord, coming of, 25,29; 
settlement of 29 ; a separate 
colony, 56. 

Demarcation, Line of, 14. 

Departure of Lee and Grant from 
Appomattox, 352. 

De Soto, 15. 

D'Estaing, Count 129, 135. 

Destruction in Georgia, 334 ; in 
South Carolina, 335. 

Devotion of C-oufederate women.274. 

D' Iberville. 67. 

Difficulty of e(iuipping armies, 234- 
236. 

Discovery, 9-10. 

Disparity between North and South, 
272. 

Donelson, Fort, capture of , 251-253. 

Dorr's Rebellion, 192. 

Douglas, Stephen A., •207--220. 

Drake, Sir Francis; voyage around 
the world, 21. 

Dred Scott case, 211. 

Duel of Hamilton and Burr, 171. 



INDEX. 



411 



Dunmoi'e, Lord, Govei'uoi of Virgi- 
nia, 101; war against Indians, 
103; removes powder, 105; de- 
posed, 113 ; declares war on Vir- 
ginia. 114. 
Dupont, Admiral 249, 288. 
Dutch settlements, 29. 

Early, General, 290, 291 ; moves 
into Mai-ylaad, 331 ; before 
Washington, 332. 

Earthquake in Charleston, 381. 

Electoral Commission, 377. 

Electricity, 384. 

Eliot, John, 50. 

Embargo, 165, 172. 

Endicott, Governor, 34. 

End of war, numbers engaged, 353. 

Enterprise of the South, 236. 

Enthusiasm in the South, 236. 

Eric the Red, 10. 

Eries, 19. 

Eutaw Springs, battle of, 146. 

Ewell, General, 263, 269, 293, 295, 
349. 

Farewell Words, 386. 

Farragut, Admiral, 276. 

Federal Convention, 158, 159. 

Federal forces to surround Lee, 345. 

Ferguson, Colonel, 141. 

Fillmore, Millard, 202. 

Financial crash, 189, 374. 

Five Forks, battle of, 346. 

Five Nations, 19, 49. 

Fishing Creek, 140. 

Florida, 14, 180, 194. 

Florida, The, 282, 338. 

Floyd, General, 252, 253. 

Force Bill, 187, 369. 

Forrest, General, 278, 311, 324. 

Fort Donelson, 251, 253. 

Fort Fisher, 340. 

Fort Henry, 251, 252. 

Fort Pillow, 312. 

Fort Steadman, 345. 

Franklin, battle of, 325 ; Benjamin, 
75, 79, 82, 97. 

Fredericksburg, battle of, 272, 274. 

Freedmen's Bureau, 361. 

Fremont, General, 196, 268. 

French Settlements, 20, 64, 67, 82. 

Frobisher, 21. 

Fugitive slave law, 206. 

Gadsden, Christopher, 116. 

Gage, General, 105. 



Galveston, capture of, '288. 
Garfield, President, 379. 
Garrison, William Lloyd, 201. 
Gates, General, 124, 129, 130, 143. 
Geiger, Emily, 145. 
Genet, Citizen, 164 
George I., 72; IL,74; IIL,93. 
Georgia, settlement of, 75, 78. 
Germantown, battle of, 123. 
Gettysburg, battle of, 294-297. 
Gilbert, Sir Humphrey, 21. 
Gold, discovery of, 199; price of, 

372 ; resumption of specie pay- 
ment, 379. 
Goliad, massacre of, 193. 
Gordon, General, 316, 345. 
Gosnold, Bartholomew, voyage to 

New England, 22. 
Gosport Navy-yard, 233. 
Grand Model, 52. 
Grant, General U. S., 240, 252, 278, 

282, 299, 307, 313, 317, 318-349, 

366, 374. 
Great Bridge, battle of, 114. 
Greene, General Nathaniel, 142, 146. 
Guilford, C. H. . 145. 
Halleck, General. 247, 253, 268. 
Hamilton. Alexander, 163. 
Hampton Roads, battle in, 257. 
Hancock, John, 107. 
Hancock, General, 379. 
Hardee, General, 321, 335. 
Harper's Ferry, 255, 233, 270. 
Harrison, Gen. Wm. Henry, 173, 

191. 
Harrison, Benjamin, President, 381. 
Hartford Convention, 178. 
Harvard College, founded, 62. 
Hawkins, Sir John, 26. 
Hayne, Robert Y., 186. 
Haynes, President, 377, 378. 
Hell's Half-Acre, 280. 
Helper's Manifesto, 212. 
Henry, Fort, 261, 252. 
Heniy, Patrick; first Governor of 

Virginia, 93, 94, 105, 117. 
Henry VH., 13. 
Hill, Gen. A. P., 266, 271, 290, 293, 

295, 346. 
Hill, General D. H., 266. 
Holly Springs, burning of, 282. 
Hood. General, 296, 321, 324, 325. 
Hooker, General, 272, 274, 289, 292, 

307, 308. 



412 



BRIEF HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES, 



Horseshoe Beud, battle of, 176. 
Houston, Gen. Sam., 193, 194. 
Howe, Gen., 119, 122. 
Hudson, Heniy, 28. 
Huguenots, 20-.i3. 
Hunter, General, 818, 319. 
Hutchinson, Anne, 34, 35. 
Illinois, a county of Virginia, 134, 

180. 
Immigration, in the North, 204; in 

the South, 204. 
Indiana becomes a State, 178. 
Indians, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19,29,37,40, 

41,41,54,70. 71,76, 102. 
Internal Revenue, 372. 
Iowa becomes a State, 199. 
" Irrepressible Conflict," 204. 
" Ironclad oath," 864. 
Island No. 10, 355. 
luka, 279. 
Jackson, Andrew, General, 176, 179, 

180, 185, 187. 
.Tacksim, General T. J., "Stone- 
wall," 241, 244, 262, 263, 264, 
269, 270, 292, 290. 
James I. , 22. 
James River, 23. 
Jamestown, settlement of, 22. 
Jasper, Sergeant, 118. 
Jay, John, first Chief Justice, 162; 

treaty, 165. 
Jefferson, Thomas, 117, 170, 184. 
Johnson, Andrew, 284, 859; 360, 131, 

862, 865. 366. 
Johnston, General Albert Sidney, 

210, 283, 251, 252. 258. 254. 
Johnston, General Jos«^ph E., 233, 

239, 250, 260, 300, 302. 
Jones, John Paul, 151, 152. 
Kanawha, Great, Battle of, 103. 
'Kansas Bibles," 206, 207. 
Kenrsdrae, Th»!, 337. 
Kernstown, Battle of, 259. 
Kentucky, settlement of, 100, 181, 

1()6, 247. 
Kilpatrlck's raid, 813. 
King\s Mountain, battle of, 141. 
King I'hilip's War, 50. 
Kiiow-Nothing Party, 208. 
Ku Klux Klan, 868. 
[-abor Laws, 3()0. 

Lafayette, General, 128, 147, 150. 
La Salle, explorations of 66; death 
of, 66. 



Laui-ens, Henry, 116. 
Lawrence, James, 74, 75. 
Lee, General Charles, 108 ; disobe- 
dience of, 120 ; dismissed from 
army, 120. 
Lee, Richard Henry, 116, 
Lee, Henry, " Light Horse Harry," 

122, 137, 260. 
Lee; Fitzhugh, 328, 846, 350. 
Lee, Robert E., 119, 213, 233, 239. 
260, 270, 271, 298,344, 348, 350, 
359, 373, 815. 
Leif, 10. 
Leisler, 59. 
Lewis, Andrew, 108. 
Lewis and Clarke's exploratious,171. 
Letcher, John, Governor of Virgi- 
nia, 319. 
Lettres of marque, 115. 
Lexington, battle of, 105. 
Lincoln, Abraham, 221. 230, 231, 
235, 267, 284, 285, 338. 354, 355. 
Lincoln, General, 129, 185, 151. 
Life among the rich in the colonies, 
60, 98; among the middle 
classes, 60, 98. 
Logan, 102. 

Long Island, battle of, 119. 
Longstreet, General, 268, 269, 270, 

293, 295, 305. 
Lookout iMountain, 305, 308. 
Louisiana, 67, 170, 178, 377. 
Loyal Leagues, 367. 
Madison, James, 158, 173. 
Magellan, voyage of, 20- 
Magruder, Gen., 239, 242, 266, 288. 
Maine, settlement of, 85 ; State of, 

182. 
Manassas, 238, 240, 269, 270. 
Mansfield, l)attle of, 812. 
Marion, General, 137, 142. 
Marshall, John, 167. 
Maryland, settlement of, 30, 31, 39. 
Maiye's Hill, 278. 

Massachusetts, 38, 35.50,51, 58, 61. 
Maskoki, or Muskogees, 19. 
Massasoit, 83. 

Material Development, 168, 383. 
Maury, Matthew F., 208. 
McClellan, General, 288, 244, 258, 

266, 267, 270, 272. 
McCrae, IMiss, murder of, 124, 
McCulloch, Gen., 247, 258. 
McDonough's victoiy, 176. 



INDEX. 



413 



McDowell, General, 242. 
McPherson, General, 314; death of, 

322. 
Meade, General, 295, 313. 
Mexico, 198. 

Mexican boundaries, 195. 
Michigan becomes a State, 189. 
Minute Men, 102. 
Missionary Ridge, 308. 
Mississippi, 15, 65, 66, 180. 
Missouri, question of, 181, 182, 247. 
Modoc War, 375. 
Monitor, 258, 260. 
Monmouth 0. H. , battle of, 127, 128. 
Monmouth's followers sold as slaves, 

68. 
Montcalm, captures English forts, 

87 ; death of, 89. 
Monroe, James, President, 179 ; doc- 
trine, 183. 
Monocaey Bridge, battle of, 331. 
Monterey, capture of, 196. 
Morgan, General Daniel, 109, 125, 

143. 
Morgan, GeneralJohn, 278, 304, 336. 
Mormons, 210. 
Morristown, winter at, 135. 
Moultrie, Gen, William, 118; Fort, 

118, 226. 
Mound Builders, 19. 
Murfreesboro, battle of, 280. 
Narragansetts, 40, 51. 
Nashville, battle of, 325. 
Nelson, General Thomas, 150. 
New England, settlement of, 32, 33, 

40, 62, 178. 
Newfoundland, 13, 21. 
New Hampshire, settlement of, 25. 
New Jersey, 52. 

New Market, battle of, 317, 318. 
New Mexico, 198. 
New Netherland, 29, 51. 
New Orleans, battle of, 177, 276. 
Newport, Capt. Christopher, 22, 26. 
Newspapers, first, 79, 97. 
Non-importation Acts, 98. 
North Carolina, settlements in, 52; 

re-admission, 366. 
Northwest Passage, 21. 
Oglethorpe, General, 75, 76, 77. 
O'Hara, General, 151. 
Ohio Company of Virginia, 82. 
Ohio becomes a State, 172. 
Olustee, battle of, 310. 



Omnibus Bill, 203. 

" On to Richmond," 272. 

Opecancanough, 27, 37. 

Oregon, 21 ; question, 193; becomes 
a State, 211. 

Oriskany, battle of, 124. 

Pacific, discovery, 14; railroad, 371. 

Packingham, Sir Edward, 177. 

Paducah, 248. 

Palo Alto, battle of, 196. 

Palos, 11. 

Patents to Virginia and Plymouth 
companies, 24, 

Paris, treaty of, 89. 

Partj'^ Conventions, 105. 

Peace, of Ryswick, 70 ; of Utrecht, 
71 ; Congress, 225 ; negotia- 
tions, 338; Conference, 343. 

Pea Ridge or Elkhorn, battle of, 253. 

Pegram, Gen. John, 344. 

Pegram, CoJ. Wm. J., 346. 

Pemberton, General, 299, 302. 

Pendleton, General, 270, 352. 

Penn, Wm., 54. 

Pennsylvania, naming of, 54. 

Pequot War, 35. 

Perry, M. C. , expedition to Japan, 
204. 

Perry, O. H., 175. 

Perry ville, battle of, 280. 

Petersburg, attack on, 326, 329; 
condition of, 340; evacuation 
of, 346. 

Personal Liberty Laws, 206. 

Pettigrew's charge, 296. 

Pierce, Franklin, 206. 

Pickett's charge, 296. 

Pipe of peace, 18. 

Pitt, Wm., 87. 

Pittsburg, 87. 

Pizarro, 14. 

Philadelphia, founding of, 54; evacu- 
ation of, 127. 

Pike, Gen., 253. 

Pinchbeck, 3G9. 

Polk, Bishop, 248, 251,305, 321. 

Polk, J. K., President, 195. 

Point Comfort, 22. 

Pocahontas, saves Smith's life, 23 ; 
saves the Colony, 24 ; marriage 
and death, 26. 

Ponce de Leon, 14. 

Pontiac's War; 89. 

Pope, General, 267, 268, 270, 280. 



414 



BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Population, growth of, 72. 

Port Royal, capture of, 249. 

Powhatan, King, 23, 24, 27. 

Price, General, 247, 253, 336. 

Princeton, Battle of, 121. 

Prisoners, exchange of, 286. 

Private soldiers, valor of, 242. 

Pulaski, Count, 123, 135. 

Puritans, coming of, 33 ; laws of, 34 ; 
a peculiar people, 61 ; sympa- 
thize with Cromwell, 41. 

Putnam, General, 106. 

Quakers, 41; 42, 54, 58, 163, 201. 

Quebec, capture of, 87, 89. 

Queen Anne's War, 70. 

Railroads, opening of, 185, 383. 

Railroad strikes, 379, 382. 

Raisin River, battle of, 174. 

Raleigh, Sir Walter, expeditions, 
21. 

Reams's Station, fight at, 328. 

Reconstruction, 360-370. 

Recuperation of the South, 383. 

Republican party, 208. 

Restriction of the press, 244. 

Revolution, causes of, 92 96 ; open- 
ing of, 104; end of, 150, 151; 
United States 'Na.vj in, 151 ; 
condition of countiy after, 156. 

Rhode Island, settled, 34; charter, 
58. 

Rich Mountain, battle of, 239. 

Richmond, Confederate Capital, 236; 
defence of, "264, evacuation of, 
346; riot and fire in, 347. 

Richmond, Ky., battle of, 279. 

Right of search, 165,. 171, 172. 

Riot in Baltimore, 233 ; Boston, 207 ; 

Roanoke, Colony of, 21 ; Island, 
capture of, 256. 

Robertson, James. 100. 

Rochambeau, Count, 137, 150. 

Rocky Mountains, 16, 196. 

Rolfe, John, 26. 

Rosecrans, General, 239, 280, 305. 

Sabine Pass, 288. 

Sailor's Creek, battle of, 349. 

Sailing's exploration, 80. 

Salzburger settlement, 76. 

San Jacinto, battle of, 194. 

Santa Anna, General, 194, 197, 
198. 

Santa Maria, 11. 

Saratoga, battles near, 125. 



Savannah, settlement of, 76; Span- 
ish attack on, 78 ; taken by 
British, 129; Siege of, 135; 
fall of, 335. 

Scarcity in South, 286, 327, 344. 

Schuyler, General, 108, 122, 123, 124. 

Scotch in Georgia, 77. 

Scotch-Irish settlers, 80. 

Scott, General, 176, 197, 227. 

Secession, 221, of South Carolina, 
222 ; of Gulf States, 222 ; of Vir- 
ginia, North Carolina, Tennes- 
see and Arkansas, 232. 

Sectional hostility, 181. 

Sedgwick, General, 289, 291, 295. 

Semmes, Captain Raphael, 283, 337. 

Settlers, character of, 59-63. 

Seven Pines, battle of, 260. 

Seven Days' Fight, 265 267. 

Sevier, John, 100. 

Sharpsburg, battle of, 271. 

Shenandoah, The, surrender of, 338. 

Sheridan, General, 332, 333, 345, 
350, 351 , 369. 

Sherman, General, 302, 303, 308, 
311, 319, 320,321,324,334,341. 

Shiloh, battle of, 254, 

Sioux War, 376. 

Slaveiy, 26, 63, 99, 163, 181 , 1 87 
201.229, 230, 360. 

Slave-trade, encouraged by England, 
26 ; extinction of, 159. 

Smith, General Kirby, 241, 279. 

Smith, Captain John, 23, 34 ; depar- 
ture, 25. 

Social distinctions, 98. 

Soldiers, after the surrender, 353. 

South Carolina, 53, 54, 72, 116, 222, 
377. 

South and the territories, 202 ; di- 
vided into military districts, 
363; under Hayes, 378; early 
literature in, 384, 385. 

Southern Confederacy, 223 ; leaders, 
224 ; lack of resources, 285. 

Spotsylvania, battle at, 316. 

Spotswood, Governor, 73, 74, 7n ; 
crosses Blue Ridge, 73 ; post- 
master-general of colonies, 75. 

Stamp Act, 94, 95, 96. 

Stark, John, 106-124. 

" Starving Time," 25. 

State-Rights resolutions, 190; and 
centralization, 228. 



INDEX. 



415 



St. Augustine, 20, 78. 

St Clair's defeat, 164. 

Steamships, 191 

Steamboat, Fitcli's and Rumsey's, 
172 ; Fulton's, 172. 

Stony Point, storming of, 135. 

Strikes, 380, 381, 382. 

Stuart, Gen. J. E. B., 242, 264, 291, 
293, 317. 

Summary, first period, 68, 69 ; se- 
cond, 91; third. 154-155; 
fourth, 215-217 ; fifth, 388-395. 

Sumner, General, 272 

Sumter, Fort, garrisoned, 226 ; plan 
to reinforce, 227 ; bombardment 
of, 228; attack on, 288; The, 
283,337 ; General, 137, 142, 145. 

Surrender, terms of, 351. 

Swanzey, attack, on, 51. 

Tariff, 157. 163, 186, 382. 

Tarleton.Col., 140, 142, 148. 

Taylor, General Zachaiy, 188, 195, 
197; President, 202; death of, 
204. 

Taylor, General Richard, 313. 

Taxation, by England. 92, 95. 

Tecumseh, 173, 175. 

Telegraph, 192 ; submarine, 209, 371. 

Tennessee, emigration to ; 99 ; be- 
comes a State, 167. 

Texas, settlement of , 193; independ- 
ent, 194 ; annexation of, 194. 

Thomas, General, 305, 306, 324. 

Ticonderoga, capture of, 106. 

Tilden, SamuelJ., 377. 

Tippecanoe, battle of, 173. 

Totems, 7. 

Trenton, battle of, 121. 

Tripoli, war with, 170. 

Turner, Nat, insurrection, 187. 

Tuscarora, 19, 70. 

Two-Penny Act, 93. 

Tyler, John. 191. 

Uncle's Tom's Cabin, 212. 

" Underground Railroad," 206. 

United Colonies, 107, 108. 

United States, 117, 187. 

University of Virginia, established, 
172. 

Upshur, Secretary, killed, 192. 

Utah, 210. 

Valley Forge, winter at, 125. 

Van Buren, 189 

Van Dorn, General, 253, 277, 278, 
279, 280, 282. 



Vasco de Gama, 14. 

Vera Cruz, surrender of, 197. 

Vermont becomes a State, 166. 

Vespucci, Amerigo, 13. 

Vicksburg, siege and capture, 299, 
303. 

Vigilance Committees, 199. 

Vinland the Good, 10. 

Virginia, 21, 22, 26, 38, 43, 44, 45. 
47, 59, 60, 74, 75. 80, 81, 101, 
104, 113, 116, 147. 156, 218,238. 

Virginia, ironclad ram, 257. 

Wallace, General Lew, 332. 

Wallace, General W. H. L., 254. 

War of 1812, 174. 

Warren, General, 298, 315. 

Washington, George, 79, 81, 83, 84, 
86, 108, 120, 151, 161. 

Watauga, settlement at, 100, 129, 
140. 

Waxhaws, disaster at, 137. 

Wayne, "Mad Anthony," 135, 165. 

Weather Reports, 209. 

Webster Daniel, 186, 203, 205. 

Wesleys and Whitefield, 77. 

West Virginia admitted to the 
Union, 284, 287. 

Whiskey insurrection, 165; frauds, 
374. 

White Plains, battle of, 119. 

AVildemess, battle of, 315, 316. 

Wilkes's expedition, 191 ; seizes Ma- 
son and Slidell on Trent, 249, 
250. 

William and Mary, sovereigns, 58 ; 
College of, 63. 

Williamsburg, battle of, 259. 

Williams, Roger, 34. 

Wilmot Proviso, 201. 

Winchester, battle at, 263, 293. 

Winthrop, John, 35, 50. 

Winconsin becomes a State, 199. 

Woodford, Colonel, 114. 

Wolfe, General, captures Quebec, 87 ; 
death of, 89. 

World's Fair, 376-382. 

Wyoming, massacre at, 128. 

Yamacraws, 76. 

Yemassees, 72. 

Yorktown, siege and British sm*- 
render at, 150; McClellan and 
Johnston at, 238, 259; centen- 
nial, 379. 

ZoUicoffer, General, 248, death of, 
251. 



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